separate Air Force but flies several aircraft within Nepalese Army
Service, also known as the Nepal Army Air Wing. It was formed in 1960s,
but became an air force unit in 1979. Finally, It is now again a part of
the Army. It has limited combat capabilities as only few helicopters
can be armed .The main objective of this flying element is transport,
flying paratroopers and assistance in case of an emergency (e.g. natural
disasters). Apart from the 11th Brigade the country has established a
VIP Flight from Tribhuvan Airport, mostly the aircraft are stationed at
Kathmandu, Surkhet and Dipayal.
From 1996 – 2006 the country was in civil war against Maoist rebels who
strove to overthrow the constitutional monarchy and establish a
republic. Their attacks increased since the massacre of the Royal Family
in 2001. This development led to the need for armed helicopters.
Several types of aircraft have entered service since: MI-17s, M28
Skytruck, HAL Lancer and HAL Dhruv. The UK has delivered two
Britten-Norman Islanders and two MI-17s free of charge. China decided to
supply an MA-60 (an Y-7 derivative). Nepal has also purchased HAL
Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters.In November 2014, India gifted an HAL
Dhruv as part of a strategic pact.The NAAS consists of about 500
members.
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