Apache, Chinook And Way Forward For India

Multi-domain operations across a spectrum that stretches from Hybrid Warfare to lowintensity security situations within the country require capabilities that are responsive and adaptive

- Air Vice Marshal Rajesh Isser (Retd)

NEW DELHI. The Apache and Chinook are dream-machines for all helicopter pilots, incorporating the latest in technology and concepts in warfighting and conflict-management across the spectrum. The triad of Apache, Chinook and C-17s promise a capability to deploy special forces and action anywhere, even across the borders, where Indian interests are at stake. These are machines that can stretch ‘jointness” to ‘truly integrated’ responses.

Here are some thoughts on what these aircraft have done in the past, and can do in the future.

Today’s warfighting is about networking in a secure redundant communication environment with other capabilities in every domain. The Boeing AH-64E Apache’s open architecture allows future plug-ins that Indian armed forces decide to adopt. With modern high-capacity data links and network capabilities, it is already ahead of its time.

Multi-domain operations across a spectrum that stretches from Hybrid Warfare to low-intensity security situations within the country require capabilities that are responsive and adaptive. As the Israelis have demonstrated, it can be quickly reconfigured from an anti-armour role to taking out terrorist leaders with precision and stealth even during nights. In 2011, NATO used it in the littoral domain operating from naval ships as well.