APACHE AND CHINOOK: Enhancing the Effectiveness of the Helicopter Fleet

摘要

It is unlikely that the IAF will get any more Apaches; if any more Apaches do come into India, they will be for the Indian Army. So if that is the case, does it make sense to have the two services operate same type of an extremely expensive and sophisticated helicopter in small numbers with the attendant duplicated costs of training, maintenance and equipment? Or is some amalgamation possible wherein all current Apaches and any future acquisitions can be fused into a single, more practical dispensation? These questions need to be addressed at a national level, rising above single service wants, and meeting joint service needs. One hopes that the urgency of consolidating attack helicopters for their optimum utilisation is seen as a priority by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).