| Army Aviation Regiment | |
|---|---|
 Philippine Army Aviation Regiment | |
| Active | April 1978 [citation needed] |
| Country |  |
| Branch |  Philippine Army |
| Type | Aviation |
| Role | Aerial Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Armor "Pambato" Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Magsaysay |
| Nickname(s) | Hiraya |
| Motto(s) | "Soaring the horizons, Securing the land" |
| Engagements | Communist rebellion in the Philippines
Islamic Rebellion in the Philippines Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines Battle of Marawi[citation needed] |
| Commanders | |
| Commander-in-Chief | President Bongbong Marcos |
| Secretary of the Department of National Defense (Philippines) | Carlito Galvez Jr. |
| 57th Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines | General Andres Centino AFP |
| Commanding General of the Philippine Army | Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr PA |
| Commander of the Philippine Army Armor Division | Brigadier General Facundo O. Palafox IV PA |
| Army Aviation Regiment Commander | Colonel Andre B. Santos PA [1] |
Philippine Army Aviation Regiment
editThe Philippine Army Aviation Regiment[1], nicknamed "Hiraya," is the sole aviation unit of the Philippine Army, operating under the Armor "Pambato" Division. This specialized unit is responsible for conducting surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, airdrop operations, transportation, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. Through its dedicated personnel and airborne capabilities, the PA Aviation Regiment plays a crucial role in supporting ground forces and ensuring the defense and security of the nation.
History
editThe origins of the unit can be traced back to the Army Aviation Battalion, which operated under the Philippine Army from 1978 to 1983. In 1986, the battalion was transferred to the Philippine Army Light Armor Brigade, which is now known as the Armor Division. In 1996, the Army Aviation "Bagwis" Battalion was reactivated under the Philippine Army but was subsequently transferred back to the Light Armor Brigade. Currently, the Army Aviation Regiment operates under the Armor Division.
Organization
editUnits
edit- Headquarters Service Battalion
- Aviation School Center
- Aviation Regiment
- Special Mission Aviation Company / Aeroscout Company
- Aircraft Maintenance Company
Active Aircraft
editSee: List of active military aircraft of the Philippines
The Philippine Army Aviation Regiment operates a range of active aircraft, including:
- Short 330: 1 aircraft.[2]
- Cessna 206: 1 aircraft.
- Cessna 172: 2 aircrafts.
- Cessna 150: 1 aircraft.
- Cessna 421B: Unknown [3]
- Mbb Bo 105: 4 aircrafts. [4]
- Robinson R44: 2 aircrafts. [5]
References
edit- ^ "Army Aviation Regiment, muling magsasanay ng mga bagong piloto". PIA. Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ Orpiano, Pitz. "The Donated SD3-30 (C-23) Sherpa Aircraft of the Philippine Army". Retrieved 2023-05-13.
- ^ "Welcome Home, Golden Eagle! Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – The Aviation "Hiraya" Regiment welcomed back the return of the Cessna 421B... | By Aviation 'Hiraya' Regiment, Philippine Army | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ Ganta, Himaja (2021-01-11). "Philippine Army receives MBB Bo 105 multi-purpose helicopter". Army Technology. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
- ^ "Philippine Army commissions two R44 Raven lightweight training helicopters". Janes.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
