First Apache Unveiled At New Helicopter Command Launch
The first all-new British Apache attack helicopter was on display today at the launch of a new tri-service Joint Helicopter Command in Wilton near Salisbury. The Apache, together with the RAF's Merlin MK III will join around 350 helicopters and 12,000 men and women from the Army, Navy and Air Force to fall under the new Joint Helicopter Command. The new Command has an annual budget of #300 million, and assets totalling 1.4 billion pounds sterling. Launching the new Joint Helicopter Command in Wiltshire today, Armed Forces Minister John Spellar said: "The 21st century will demand new ways of working from our Armed Forces. The Army, Navy and Air Force, while superbly capable in their individual disciplines, are even more effective when they work together. "The Joint Helicopter Command will bring together the Navy's Commando helicopters, all operational Army Air Corps helicopters, and the RAF's support helicopters. The new organisation will co-ordinate the training, and planning of these resources across a range of defence missions and tasks. "The new 16 Air Assault Brigade - one of the most powerful combat formations in Europe - will also fall under the Joint Helicopter Command remit. "Helicopters - in both attack and supporting roles - are key to the success of missions involving the rapid deployment of troops. They can be used over any terrain. They are highly versatile. And their effectiveness has been proved time and time again in modern warfare. "It gives me great pleasure to say that Britain is leading the world in the way we are restructuring our Armed Forces following the thinking that went into the Strategic Defence Review. "The Cold War may be over, but conflict around the world continues. Britain, working with its European and NATO allies must be prepared for the military challenges of the new millennium." The Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Charles Guthrie was also present at the launch, and added: "As a military commander I am only too aware of the vital role that helicopters play in modern warfare. "Sophisticated attack helicopters like the latest Apache are highly capable machines that can inflict huge damage on the enemy. Other support and battlefield helicopters are also used to lift soldiers and machinery into areas that would otherwise be almost impossible to reach. "I am pleased that the new Joint Helicopter Command has been delivered so quickly and urge all three services - Army, Navy and Air Force - to work together to make it a success." The Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) is one of the key initiatives announced in the Strategic Defence Review and has been delivered within 16 months. It will pool the expertise of all three services to maximise the fighting effectiveness of British Forces. The post of Commander, Joint Helicopter Command is open to officers from any of the three services. The first Commander is Air Vice Marshal David Niven, aged 52.
Background Notes: **Single service units within the organisation will continue to be commanded and manned by personnel from that Service, and a mix of all three services and civil servants will staff the 80-person strong headquarters. **The Joint Helicopter Command will not command the Royal Navy's Anti-Surface, Anti-Submarine and Airborne Early Warning helicopters. Search and Rescue helicopters, and units in some overseas garrisons also remain under their current arrangements.
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First Apache Unveiled At New Helicopter Command Launch
