Eight extra AH-1F for Pakistan

[TOPGUN]

I think we will take wat we can get right now with all due respect to the subject!

 

[IceCold]

If it is for dual purpose, then go for MI-35 Hind.
it can give a good firepower, and also deliver 8 fully equipped troops on the location.

It will be of no use since my point was based on the fact to use one platform for both troops deployment and close ground support. MI-17 can be armed too and use in that role.

 

[IceCold]

My only concerns with regards the Mi-17 Hip in the COIN role is that they make a large and tempting target, lack the manuevrability of a specialist gunship and are virtually unarmoured. I agree, they are certainly hardy machines and would require a lot less service-to-air maintenance time than most of its contemporaries. But if effective MANPADS are employed against Mi-17s, they will have serious survivability issues. 12.7mm AAA would likewise cause Hip problems.

I honestly don't believe they can substitute for a purpose-built attack helicopter like Cobra.

First of all there are no man pads in the area where we are fighting, also cobra in its current state is a liability then an asset for the PA . They are very hard to maintain since spares are not readly available and comes with extra benefit of inspection also it lacks the endurance needed to maintain the air support needed over the area for a long time.

 

[fatman17]

Sir what if we arm our MI-17s and use it instead for coin operations? The Chinese have done it as have other countries. I mean it will cut the cost of maintaining two different platforms, at the same it could be used for both troops deployment and close air support. Troops can further be droped into the hostile territory for two reasons one once the MI_17 gets armed it will have the ability to clear the grounds first before deploying troops second it can take hits and still fly. Its not easy to bring an MI-17 down.

MI-17s can only fire un-guided rockets which are mainly used to supress ground fire during landing ops in hostile LZs so its a defensive weapons platform and the cobra is otherwise.

 

[Blackpearl]

It will be of no use since my point was based on the fact to use one platform for both troops deployment and close ground support. MI-17 can be armed too and use in that role.

Moving troops by helicopters is the concept of Air Cavalry. USA pioneered it during Veitnam war and championed it throughout the war.
Conept is simple, move a body of troops, rapidly to troubled area, over long distance, accomplish the mission, and extricate troops.
One of the ingridients of this tactis is operations over longer distance, where it is not possible by a force to keep a physical presence at every place.

Considering COIN ops in FATA, the pattern is unlike Veitnam. Operations are confined to limited places, well within reach of foot soldiers or soldiers can reach by vehicles. i think the pattern of operations in FATA is like: Army moves to an area, on foot and supported by artillery guns and Cobra helicopters from air(recently, PAF jets have also joined for close air support).
Hence, concept of soldiers moved by troops is not required, as distances involved are very small. Aerial cover is required, for accurate fire, using TOWs, to avoid colletoral damage. Cobra s have tremendous firepower. Each Cobra can have 8 TOW, 34-38 rockets and 1500 rounds of 20 mm cannon.