Mission and tasks:
Primary mission of the Combat Helicopter Squadron (CHS) is combat support of the land forces units. During which the CHS is prepared to carry out the following tasks:
- Air support of the land forces, focusing on air fire support;
- Combat protection of aircrafts and land forces during transport;
- Close air support (CAS);
- Combat search and rescue of aircraft crew and aircrafts (CSAR);
- Evacuation of wounded, hurt and ill (CASEVAC);
- Air reconnaissance for the needs of the commands and units of the Army;
- Transport of troops and load.
Major Igor Chkorov
Date and place of birth:
24.04.1974, Zagreb, Republic of Croatia
Military education:
- Aviation officer course at the “General Mihailo Apotolski” Military Academy (2001-2002)
- Basic course on military airborne terminology , Izmir , Republic of Turkey (2006)
- NVG course, phase 1 and phase 2, Dax, Republic of France (2010)
- Mi-24 helicopter instructor course
Military career:
- Pilot at Training Company, 2002-2003,
- Pilot at Training Squadron, 2003-2004,
- Pilot at Combat Helicopter Squadron, 2004-2005,
- Flight Pilot-Deputy Commander, Combat Helicopter Squadron, 2005-2008,
- Flight Commander, Combat Helicopter Squadron, 2008-2011,
- Operations Officer- Deputy Commander of Combat Helicopter Squadron, 2011-2013,
- Chief of Staff – Deputy Commander of Combat Helicopter Squadron 2013- 2015,
- Combat Helicopter Squadron Commander May 2015
Promotions:
- Lieutenant 2002-2006
- Captain 2006-2011
- Major 2011
Career achievements:
- Zlin 242L Pilot
- Mi-24 chief senior helicopter pilot
Foreign languages :
English
Marital status:
married, father of one child.
Hobbies:
flying and modeling
Contact details:
phone: + 389 2256-5151
The beginnings of the Combat Helicopter Squadron (CHS) date back to the formation of the Military aviation and Anti-air Defense (MA and AAD) as an integral part of the ARM. In 1992, the Combat Helicopter Squadron, at that time called 201st Anti-armour Helicopter Squadron (AaHs), was manned with experienced and trained personnel educated in the JNA, but due to the existing situation there were no aircrafts. As the years passed by and with the changes in the formations, AaHs from 1992-2012, from a Combat Helicopter Company (CHC) and a Combat Helicopter Squadron (CHS) grew into a CHS equipped with combat helicopters type Mi-24B.
Equipping of the Combat Helicopter Squadron with the Mi-24 helicopters began in 2001, forced by the conflict which was in full swing in 2001 in the Republic of Macedonia. At that time, in few phases, arrived the Mi-24 helicopters purchased from Ukraine. Total number of 12 helicopters Mi-24 were purchased, 10 of which were variant ‘B’ and the others variant ‘K’. The same made a big contribution in the protection of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia.
From 2001 to present day, members of the Combat Helicopter Squadron continuously carry out training and drill on Mi-24 helicopters, to the existing and to the new members of the CHS beside the common troubles and decrease in the financial assets at the MoD. The continuous training and engagement resulted in success in the exercises carried out in the Republic of Macedonia as well as abroad.
From the various multinational exercises these deserve special consideration:
- LIVEX Logical decision 2012 in Szolnok Hungary, 2012;
- LIVEX Challenge in 2011;
- LIVEX Logical decision 2010 in Papa, Hungary, 2010;
- LIVEX Cooperative key in Bulgaria, 2005;
- LIVEX Cooperative key in Bulgaria, 2003;
- Participation with pilots and technicians at EUFOR MISSION Altea in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Participating in the numerous exercises and tasks in Republic of Macedonia fall into everyday duties of the CHS.
CHS personnel have participated in the following courses:
- Avionic Operation course, Israel;
- Air-ground operations course;
- Flight safety officer course, France;
- SOP of helicopter Coy performing MADEVAC Operations USA;
- Command stuff officer course, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Squadron officers school, USA;
- NVG training Phase 1 & 2, France;
Few years ago a process of modernization of Mi-24 helicopters started at the CHS, which enables an increase of the potential and the combat power of the CHS. By installing modern navigation and radio-communication equipment, as well as equipment for flying in night conditions, meeting all standards of NATO and ICAO, 24/7 operability of the Combat Helicopter squadron was achieved.
The planned equipment with new guided missiles and their integration in the modernization process was not realized because of the lack of financial assets, but no matter, the Combat Helicopter Squadron remains one of the units with the highest combat potential and power in the structure of the ARM, and as such it represents a safety factor for the Republic of Macedonia.