Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Army-Air Force battle for attack helicopters family problem, solution soon: Antony

Few days after the Indian Air Force (IAF) dismissed the Indian Army’s demand for attack helicopters as unnecessary duplication of assets, Defence Minister AK Antony indicated that the an “amicable” solution is in the offing.


Sources in the ministry to confirmed to the New Indian Express that the Defence Ministry was “sympathetic” to the Army’s demand despite a strong opposition from the IAF.


Terming the bitter wrangling between the two forces as “family problem”, Antony said: “There is no tussle. There is no war. There are family problems, we will find solutions.” Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of Prime Minister’s Territorial Army Day parade, Antony added: “We are in final stages of finding a solution, amicable solution. Don't go beyond that."


IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne on October 5 reacted sharply to the question of the Army demanding air assets for itself as “duplication” of assets. "We cannot afford to have our own little air forces. Tomorrow coast guard will ask for submarine will we give it to them?" Air Chief Marshal Browne added. The IAF Chief also revealed that in 2011, the IAF has conceded the Army’s demand for attack helicopters but the land force also wanted medium lift helicopters and it was then that the Air Force put its foot down. 

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