The Indian Army will raise its own air wing by this yearend on the lines of the United States, China and Pakistan, local media reported Monday.

Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh has approved the creation of a permanent cadre for the Army Aviation Corps by the end of December, which will operate light observation and attack helicopters in the short-term and medium-lift choppers and even fixed-wing aircraft in the long-term, The Times of India newspaper quoted sources as saying.

The Indian Army's aviation wing currently operates only 250 light helicopters like Druv, Cheetah and Chetak, while attack and medium-lift choppers are the prerogative of the Indian Air Force.

"The overall plan is to enhance the complete capability of Army Aviation Corps, from manpower and training to equipment and infrastructure," the sources were quoted as saying.