Australian Army establishes separate Army Aviation Command

Australia’s Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, has announced the establishment of a new Army Aviation Command, to be commanded by Major General Stephen Jobson.

The formation of Army Aviation Command is a significant achievement for the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force, said LTGEN Burr. It will improve resilience and adaptability and ensure Army’s training system is agile and contemporary, he added.

“The alignment of Army’s aviation capability under its own command optimises Army Aviation to better support land, amphibious and special operations,” said LTGEN Burr.

“The unity, sense of purpose and focus in a single command will support our land forces to achieve more tasks, in more difficult environments.

“The command also represents the delivery of another key milestone set out in the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan.”

Aviation Command will deliver aviation capability to support Army’s land power to enable the Joint Force.

“Aviation Command will coordinate the introduction into service of new helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, and enhance and assure the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of current aircraft,” Major General Jobson said.

“The changes to Army’s aviation command and control structure will simplify the management of Army’s helicopters—one of the most multifaceted and resource-intensive platforms used by the land forces.”

The 16th Aviation Brigade and the Army Aviation Training Centre will transfer from Army Forces Command to Aviation Command.

Army operates various types of aircraft including the Boeing CH-47F Chinook, Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter, NH Industries MRH90 Taipan multi-role helicopter and leased civil light utility helicopter.