In an interaction during the annual press conference in New Delhi, Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Monday said that women will be inducted as pilots in Army Aviation

The Indian Army will soon have women helicopter pilots flying to forward locations and be part of operations at the borders.

In an interaction during the annual press conference in New Delhi, Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane on Monday said that women will be inducted as pilots in Army Aviation. He said a clearance has been given to the proposal.

"Last month, I had initiated a proposal that women officers can be recruited to Army aviation. Next course which will begin in July this year, will induct women for training purposes in flying branch and after one year they will be able to join in operational duties," General Naravane said.

Till now women are only part of ground duties in the Army Aviation Corps.

The Indian Air Force already has 10 women fighter pilots while the Indian Navy has women flying the Dornier aircraft and also as observers onboard helicopters and P8I surveillance aircraft.

Other than the 10 fighter pilots, the IAF has 111 women pilots who fly transport planes and choppers.

The Army Aviation Corps comprises helicopters that fly in conflict and peace zones. The aviation corps is critical for the Indian Army as it's pressed into action for evacuation of injured troops during operations or health emergencies in high altitude areas.

The Army Aviation Corps was raised on November 1 in 1986.

Not only has the aviation corps played an important role in the past in operations like Kargil but has also been at the forefront carrying out varied tasks during the ongoing India-China standoff in Ladakh.

Army Aviation Corps' choppers are being used for reconnaissance, observation, casualty evacuation, essential load drops, combat search and rescue, officials said.

During peace times, the helicopters participate in Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations across the country.