Integration of all Fleet Air Arm Helicopters into Joint Helicopter Command

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Integration of all Fleet Air Arm Helicopters into Joint Helicopter Command

L. Wilson-Chalon

The 1998 Strategic Defence Review established the need for a new joint command, Joint Helicopter Command, responsible for the integration and deployment of all battlefield field helicopters from the three British Armed Forces. Although this has ensured coherency during helicopter deployment, there remains insufficient numbers available resulting in a 38 per cent shortfall of this valuable asset and significant force multiplier. This sets the stage for the next evolution of JHC to take responsibility for all MOD helicopters as a functional command. There are already signs that the current lack of rotary assets is seeing greater use of maritime helicopters, from Fleet HQ, in support of land operations. Procurement of new aircraft will make use of latest technologies, which will further facilitate maritime helicopter use to land operations through greater airframe commonality and an increase in overland capability. In ever increasing joint organizations within the British military, can a restructure of Fleet helicopters assets to JHC be of benefit to all. In order to effect such a restructure it is necessary to investigate the process of change, the extent to which jointness is the answer and examine the timeliness of such a move.