Pakistan’s Attack Helicopters No Match With India

May 16, 2010 - PRLog -- The latest issue of Indian Military Review (IMR) says that Pakistan's Army Aviation may have all its resources including maintenance and logistics controlled by one agency, hence, synergy in training and operations but operating such a vast and varied range of aircraft profile has its drawbacks. Most of the aircraft are vintage and some have become obsolete, leading to a maintenance nightmare. Night operations capability is limited including that of its attack helicopters.

Pakistan’s Combat Squadrons (attack helicopters) are better integrated with integral scout helicopters (Alouette III/Lama). Indian Army Aviation, on the other hand, has its assets divided between the two Services leading to dual control. The indigenous production of Cheetah/Chetak and ALH helicopters by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is an advantage in spares management and, thereby, better maintainability with respect to night operations. The Indian Army Aviation has a distinct edge over Pakistan, with the ALH being fully capable of operations by night. The Mi-25/Mi-35 is also night capable but the attack helicopters do not compare well with other modern day state of art attack helicopter. The LCH, once fielded, will certainly tilt the balance, in our favour.

Pakistan's Army Aviation is looking at the replacement of its old and vintage helicopters like the Alouette III/Lama with Bell 407s, from USA. It is also looking at enhancing its medium lift capability and refurbishing/upgrading of its fleet of Huey Cobras. Induction of additional attack helicopters is also on the cards. Concerted effort is being made to upgrade then overall night capability.

Indian Army Aviation is also looking at replacing its old and trustworthy workhorse, the Cheetah/Chetak helicopters. Trials for the replacement helicopters with three contenders are currently on. The programme for the weaponisation of the ALH is on track and the induction of the Shakti engine has enhanced the high altitude capability of the ALH. With the LCH project now on track, Indian Army Aviation will certainly have an edge over its Pakistani counterparts in terms of both quantity and quality.

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IMR is a monthly magazine published from New Delhi and devoted to national defence, homeland security and military technology.