Hungarian Army Aviation order of battle January 1, 1973
The Hungarian Army Aviation participated in the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. They carried out the Hungarian 8th Mechanized Infantry Division's air support. Four squadrons of MiG-15bis ‘Fagot-B’ did reconnaissance and close air support. The Mi-1 ‘Hare’ courier helicopters were deployed to army command.
From 1968 helicopter units were developed. The 86th battalion/regiment split into two units.
The 87th Medium Helicopter Air Regiment received 45 Mi-8T/P ‘Hip’ helicopters, while the 88th Light Helicopter Air Battalion received 22 Ka-26 ‘Hoodlum’ courier helicopters.
The helicopter units were stationed at Szentkirályszabadja.
<- An early color photo about green Hungarian Mi-8T ‘Hip-C’ medium cargo helicopter. Photo: Juhász János
Reconnaissance units were also reorganized. 501st and 502nd Tactical Reconnaissance Air Squadron have been discontinued. Instead, they formed the 101st Reconnaissance Air Regiment in Szolnok airport.
On January 1st, 1973, the Aviation's unit was transferred to the new Hungarian Army Aviation Command.