Aviation Command

The Aviation Command is comprised of one aviation brigade and several battalions, and possesses various helicopters armed with rockets, TOWs, Vulcan cannons, and machine guns. It also provides fire support to task forces, and provides them with air transportation and reconnaissance missions. If necessary, it gives fire support and carries out air attack missions in the rear area. These attack and transport helicopters that could be strategically deployed to support combat operations of the infantry divisions and special forces. Some 200 McDonnell Douglas 500-MD helicopters were produced under license by Korean Air between 1976 and 1984. At least fifty of these helicopters were equipped with TOW antitank weapons. The remainder were used as transports and for other support missions. In 1990 South Korea also had about 50 McDonnell Douglas AH-1S attack helicopters and 144 McDonnell Douglas UH1B /H transport helicopters.