The IDF Uses Combat Helicopter in West Bank
Israel has been facing different forms of terrorist and guerrilla warfare for years, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have constantly sought to counteract these activities. In an effort to enhance the forces’ defensive measures, the IDF is considering reinforcing their operations by using combat helicopters and drones in the West Bank.
Israeli Military Considers the Use of Combat Helicopters in the West Bank
Military sources have revealed that the IDF is considering incorporating helicopters and drones into its West Bank defensive strategy to provide additional security for ground troops, especially in situations where they come under heavy fire from Palestinian gunmen. Following an officer’s death in Jenin during a raid, the Israeli army has been exploring new ways to minimize casualties, targeting specific terrorist leaders or installations instead of deploying infantry or Special Forces. Exploring the feasibility and functionality of incorporating combat helicopters into these operations is next on the agenda.
The Use of Helicopters in Low-Intensity Conflict (LIC)
In general, the use of airpower, and helicopters, in particular, has proved invaluable for achieving various counterguerrilla objectives. In the LIC, the primary goal of the IDF is to destroy the organization’s political and operational infrastructures by deteriorating the guerrilla forces that are deeply entrenched in the local population, have the support of the civilians, and possess a thorough knowledge of the area of operations.
The Civic Dimension
One way to minimize this support is by conducting psychological warfare, political, economic, and sociological measures that could improve the living conditions of the civilians. This is an essential part of the counterinsurgency program, which has to be conducted concurrently with the military campaign. It is designed to struggle against the political and socio-political causes of the insurgency
The Military Dimension
In addition to the civic dimension, a military dimension is crucial to the LIC campaign. The aircraft in use must provide operational flexibility, high mobility, firepower, maneuverability, and real-time combat intelligence. The role of the air force, and particularly the combat helicopters, is to seek out and identify guerrilla units, providing actionable intelligence that can then be used by the IDF to plan and execute effective attacks.
Helicopters in Various Other Armies
This part aims to provide information upon which to build the operational framework necessary to optimize the use of helicopters in the IDF’s fight against terrorism. There are very few armies around the world that have used helicopters extensively in the LIC, the US Army is a classic example.
The Role of the US Army in Fighting Terrorism
The US Army has used helicopters extensively in its LIC campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The US Army’s extensive use of attack helicopters came about as a result of its inability to achieve specific critical objectives by deploying personnel solely on the ground. Rather than sending in infantry and other ground forces into specific territories, the US Army harnessed modern attack helicopters’ firepower to help them achieve their objectives.
The Specific Uses of Helicopters by the IDF
The IDF uses helicopters in a different way than the US Army. The IDF harnesses the power of helicopters and other coalition forces in hunting and destroying terrorist cells, particularly those that pose significant threats to civilians and soldiers in the area. They have also used them to strike at terrorists and military targets deep in enemy territory, as well as help special forces access otherwise hard-to-reach areas.
The Specifics of the Use of Combat Helicopters in the West Bank
The Effectiveness of Attack Helicopters in the West Bank
The addition of attack helicopters and drones is expected to increase the effectiveness of the IDF’s operations in the West Bank. Unlike ground maneuvering units, helicopters and drones are not susceptible to ambush or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which means they are more effective in high-risk zones. They also provide air support to the ground forces and carry out targeted strikes against specific enemy targets.
The IDF’s Use of Armed Drones
The IDF is also exploring the possibility of using armed drones to drop grenades in highly-dangerous regions of the West Bank. While the use of weapons on board drones is not new, the introduction of armed drones to the West Bank raises a new and more significant potential conflict. There are concerns that militants or rogue elements in the IDF may use these drones to harm innocent civilians. Some reports suggest that the escalation of armed drones in the West Bank is due to the specific influence of settlers, but this claim has not yet been substantiated.
The Best Type of Attack Helicopter for the IDF
The IDF has considered various types of attack helicopters to determine the one that would be the most effective for their operations in the West Bank. Ultimately the decision fell to the Apache AH-64 helicopter. This helicopter has proved its effectiveness in numerous campaigns around the world and is extensively used by the US Army.
Conclusion
The utilization of combat helicopters and drones in the West Bank is a logical and crucial step towards enhancing the safety and security of IDF operations in the area. It offers a level of flexibility, speed, and effectiveness that ground combat units alone cannot provide. However, introducing this type of weaponry raises concerns about civilians’ safety and the potential for abuse by rogue elements within the IDF.
FAQs About IDF Combat Helicopters
Q: What is the role of airpower in LIC?
A: The airpower provides operational flexibility, high mobility, superiority in firepower, better maneuver capability, and real-time combat intelligence.
Q: Why is the US Army a classic example of the use of helicopters in LIC?
A: The US Army uses helicopters extensively to achieve specific objectives in territories where deploying ground forces alone would be insufficient.
Q: What are the types of helicopters that the IDF considers using?
A: The IDF considered various types of helicopters before settling on the Apache AH-64 helicopter.
Q: Why do helicopters and drones offer a significant advantage in high-risk zones?
A: Helicopters and drones are not susceptible to ambush or improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which increases their effectiveness in high-risk zones
Q: What are the risks associated with introducing armed drones to the West Bank?
A: There are concerns that the escalation of armed drones in the West Bank may harm innocent civilians and endanger their safety.