Unveiling the Phoenix Army Aviation Operations Command and Its World’s Fourth-Largest 500+ Helicopters – Part 3

The Army Aviation Operations Command has achieved dazzling results over the past 25 years. In 1996, during the large-scale spy operation in Gangneung, over 1,200 aircraft overcame all sorts of challenges in the rugged mountainous area for 51 days. They successfully carried out operations over 2,000 times, significantly contributing to eradicating armed spies.

In addition, 1998, when a large typhoon caused heavy rain in the central region, aircraft were deployed to rescue 3,292 people. In 2017 and 2018, when large-scale forest fires occurred, aircraft were first deployed to the scene and successfully carried out air support operations to extinguish the forest fires during national disasters.

Especially during major events, such as the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the 2009 Korea-ASEAN Special Summit, the 2010 G20 Summit, the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit, and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the security and protection forces have been the core force in ensuring safety. They have perfectly fulfilled their heavy duties at the forefront of national events.

In 2010, an aviation team was sent as a part of the Afghan Reconstruction Support Team and completed over 940 aviation operations in two years. Since 2011, another aviation team has been deployed to the northwestern islands of South Korea, contributing to the defense of the front line and the northwestern islands.

Participates as the core force of security and protection operations every year

2013, it was the first to equip the KUH-1 (Surion) aircraft developed in Korea. In 2015, it established the only medical evacuation aviation unit in the entire army, showcasing the dignity of Army aviation both domestically and internationally while doing its best to protect the noble lives of soldiers as the Guardian of the Golden Hour.

In 2016, the Army established two battalions of AH-64E (Apache Guardian) large attack helicopters, which are considered the strongest and most advanced in the world. This move has enhanced the Army’s ability to deter enemy provocations during peacetime and respond firmly to provocations during wartime, establishing it as a true core force.

How big is the Army Aviation Operations Command regarding global helicopter power?

Based on the “Military Balance” report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the United Kingdom, the Army Aviation Operations Command possesses more than 500 helicopters, making it the fourth-largest helicopter fleet in the world as of 2021.

The US Army ranks first in the world with over 3,900 helicopters. China’s Army follows with over 1,000, and Russia’s Air Force operates over 800. For reference, the North Korean Air Force has about 280 helicopters.

To Read Part 1…
To Read Part 2…