Attack role for choppers
By Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 2 — Even as the Army prepares to man the inhospitable terrain along the Line of Control in the Drass-Kargil axis and chalks out long term objectives to prevent any incursions in the aftermath of Operation Vijay, the IAF is discreetly engaged in its own venture to ensure effective close air support during any future operations in this sector.

Incorporating some hard-learnt lessons of Operation Safed Sagar in the Kargil sector earlier this year, the IAF has embarked on a project to suitably modify and convert some of its helicopters for high-altitude attack roles, capable of operating in difficult, mountainous terrain.

''We are looking into two options. One is to re-equip and re-arm the versatile MI-17 in a major way, and the other is to augment the service ceiling of the MI-35 attack helicopter,'' an IAF officer here said. The task is being undertaken at No.3 Base Repair Depot here, which is responsible for maintenance, repair and modifications of all Soviet-origin helicopters in IAF's inventory.

Though the IAF has three squadrons of the MI-25 and MI-35 attack helicopters, these could not be used in the Kargil sector because of their inability to operate at such altitudes. This resulted in the IAF using the MI-17 choppers with their auxiliary armament of unguided rockets. ''The MI-25/35s were designed for providing air support to fast moving armoured or mechanised formations during an assault in the plains or deserts. Hence the focus was more on their manoeuvrability, ability to carry weapons and protection than on high-altitude capability," an officer said.

While the MI-17, which is basically a medium capacity troop and cargo lift chopper, has been operating at altitudes up to 20,000 feet in support of Army formations deployed in that area as well as in the Siachen sector, the MI-25/35s, with heavier armour and more capable navigational abilities and better weapon systems, including missiles, cannot operate beyond 12,000 feet. Even the US AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, considered as one of the best, cannot operate at high altitudes.

Sources say modifications being worked out for the MI-17 would include equipping it with a sophisticated integral weapon system, including laser rangers, short range air-to-ground missiles, electronic counter measures and advanced avionics and navigational capabilities as well as night operating capabilities. Certain structural modifications, including protection for the aircrew, would also be incorporated.

The requirements for MI-25/35 are decreasing its gross weight and modifying the performance of its powerplant to enable it to operate at high altitudes without compromising on combat capability. Though the MI-17 and the MI-25/35 are powered by the TV-3 turboshaft engine, their designated roles entails different performance parameters.

MI-17s were used for strafing enemy positions only during the first few days of the operations and were then withdrawn after one was downed by intruders. These were replaced by the Mirage-2000s for carrying out precision strike from stand off positions, keeping them out of range of tactical weapons.

Sources say in the aftermath of the Kargil operations, the thinking in the forces is that in any full-scale war, the IAF may not be able to use Mirage-2000s in a similar role as in Kargil because of other operational commitments and tactical implications. For providing close air support to ground forces in Kargil-like terrain, sources say the IAF would have to use attack helicopters.

Further, sources add that the answer to identify pin-point targets in the face of limited recce capability is to send in armed choppers to spot and attack positions from close range. ''In Kargil, it was found that the height and speed of fighter aircraft and their inability to dive towards the target, as well as the small size of targets which required precision attacks from longer distances reduced the cost-effectiveness of air attacks,'' an officer commented.

Officers here say planners have to assume that a Kargil-type situation may happen again in the future and where operations against heavily armed insurgents are concerned, helicopter gunships provide an appropriate deterrent. ''At several instances during Kargil operations, the need to have dedicated ground attack aircraft for strafing enemy positions to divert attention from advancing troops was felt,'' an officer said. ''The issue at that time went unanswered,'' he added.