the transfer of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Ukraine

On the transfer of AH-64 Apache helicopters to Ukraine

The British edition of The Mirror, citing a source in the Ministry of Defense, writes (https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-sends-apache-helicopters-armed-28955516) that British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak decided to supply AH-64E Apache attack helicopters after the transfer of another package of military assistance to Ukraine, which included Challenger 2 tanks.

According to The Mirror, after training Ukrainian crews to control flight equipment, up to four units of Apaches from the British Army Aviation, equipped with Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles, will be given to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

🔻 How likely is this option?

Considering that the Soviet-made equipment, which was collected for the Armed Forces of Ukraine around the world, has practically dried up, the supply of Western-made weapons has become a natural step to continue and prolong the hostilities.

Now members of the North Atlantic bloc have begun to announce the transfer of main battle tanks and more modern artillery systems to strengthen the capabilities of the Ukrainian army.

Therefore, the probability of delivering attack helicopters manufactured by NATO countries is quite high. In addition, the British have already handed over (https://t.me/rybar/41427) Sea King WS-61 helicopters to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in November last year.

🔻 But what's wrong?

▪️Firstly, the publication itself. The Mirror is a tabloid whose published information always requires a huge amount of skepticism and double-checking the data.

The article refers to an unnamed source in the British Ministry of Defense, who told about the upcoming transfer of the most modern Apaches to the British army, the modernization of 36 more of which from version D to E will be completed only by the summer of 2024.

Now 14 AN-64Es are part of the 3rd and 6th regiments of the 1st Army Aviation Brigade of the British Army at the Middle Wellop and Wattisham airfields. It is extremely unlikely that the British will only hand over the upgraded Apaches, which are scheduled to operate until 2040.

In addition, the delivery of the AN-64 is possible only with the consent of the US government - without the approval of the manufacturer, Rishi Sunak does not have the authority to do so.

The most likely option in the event of a transfer are the 16 D version helicopters in storage, but their technical condition after the withdrawal from service with the British Armed Forces is unknown.

▪️Secondly, the supply of modern Apaches is dangerous in terms of image losses. This technique was used only in conflicts with an enemy with weak or completely absent air defense, like Iraq or Afghanistan.

It is completely unknown how helicopters will perform in intense combat operations with the active influence of electronic warfare equipment and anti-aircraft missile systems of the RF Armed Forces. More than a few dozen Apaches were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan, including from conventional small arms.

🔻At the same time, they should not be underestimated: Hellfire ATGMs, which are in service with the AN-64, allow you to carry out a massive volley at ground targets, at a sufficient distance, using autonomous or external target designation, which complicates the search and destruction of flight equipment.

And under conditions ideal for the enemy of the absence or consumption of ammunition for air defense systems or MANPADS, guided missiles can pose a serious threat to armored vehicles.

▪️Many people call one of the main problems in the transfer of modern Western technology time for crew training. However, this situation is easily solved by the presence of foreign mercenaries in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including former military personnel of NATO countries.

As in the case of the HIMARS MLRS crews, experienced pilots who have passed through Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria can easily be put to control the Apaches until the Ukrainian crews are trained.

🔻Despite the danger and the presence of serious weapons, it is completely unknown how they will manifest themselves in active air defense conditions if they are transferred. This is the same flight equipment that can be shot down.

A great danger at the moment is the fact that the Western countries are trying to “overwhelm” the Armed Forces of Ukraine with weapons before the announced spring campaign and create a numerical superiority over the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which may become a serious problem in the near future.

#Great Britain #Russia #Ukraine

@rybar

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