This has reference to an article ‘Russia’s Secret Weapon of the ISIS War’ by David Axe in The Daily Beast.bezecke topanky onlysxm.com panske teplaky greensandseeds.com lucianosousa.net bogner overal onlysxm.com automatický dávkovač mýdla lidl lego friends lego friends lego friends lego friends lego friends lego friends onlysxm.com lego friends lego friends lego friends bogner overal holroydtileandstone.com holroydtileandstone.com
It is beyond doubt that the Syrian Government forces have recently achieved a few spectacular successes against their opponents (ISIS and Western supported groups); the latest being regaining control of the ancient city of Palmyra. Considering that the Western Alliance led by the USA had been battling ISIS without much success for almost two years, the performance of Assad’s forces has been credit worthy. There is also no doubt that it was the sudden overt intervention by Russia and Iran on the side of Bashar-al-Assad that tilted the scales. It is also relevant that the support by an array of Russian attack helicopters, especially Mi-28 and Ka-52 has been a game changer in ground operations in a comparatively level countryside devoid of much cover.
Air support of ground forces using fighter aircraft is becoming more and more difficult and complex for a number of reasons; their speed being the primary one. At the same time, with improvement in technologies and better protection, air support using attack helicopters has become a distinct possibility. However, the air defence environment will be a major restricting factor. ISIS in Syria practically have no ground to air capability which has further contributed to the effectiveness of attack helicopters in support of ground operations. As the article brings out, the experience of Iraqi Army against the IS has been quite the opposite. At the same time, the flexibility of helicopter operations and close coordination with the ground forces make this an increasingly feasible proposition. Even in the Indian context, the concept deserves serious consideration to make it a part of operational philosophy.
While considering the above, three aspects are important. First, the attack helicopter component must function under the command and control of the ground forces commander. Secondly, as far as possible such helicopters must be flown by the officers of the combat arms of the land forces so that they have a good visualisation of the ground battle and can exploit even the fleeting opportunities. Thirdly, once a favourable air situation on a battle area is obtained, helicopter gunships can carry out multifarious tasks, such as; softening up of the objective, isolating an objective or a battle area and close air support, missions, especially in support of mechanised forces in a fluid battlefield environment. The concept ought to be dovetailed in the land forces doctrine for defensive and offensive operations.
@ Major General PJS Sandhu (Retd) is a former armour officer who is presently the Deputy Director and Editor at USI of India.