The OH-58D bought second hand from the US could also play a very useful role. They are small, light and armed. A scout helicopter that can fight back a bit. Would complement and get the best use out of the Cobras.
Helicopters being used in contested airspace is actually an urban legend. Helicopters are slow and have giant blades easily spotted by modern fighter radars. They are a turkey shoot for any fighter aircraft. Faster low flying CAS aircraft have always been the best bet in a heavily contested airspace.
Helicopters are best when used under cover of darkness to destroy radar sites something the Apache did in Desert Storm otherwise the classic use is based on popping out from behind mountain or hills to attack armored columns. Hit and run gorilla type of attacks, armour protection and transport support are also trades that attack helicopters fulfill.
Hind was procured by Pakistan for a similar role to provide PA commando's enough coverfire for them to land behind enemy lines using the same helicopter.
Problem is, we are totally neglecting CAS aircraft. They are designed for ground attack, and are far more survivable in contested airspace. Specially if they are equiped with some particular gadgets.
Tactical Nuclear Weapons fulfil the role where there is large concentration or a well deployed air defence system to provide protection.
I agree with your Turk president part. I think he still angry on the coup attempt of 2016.
KAI T/FA-50 is a very good option.IIRC GE-F404 was initially an option for JF-17 as well, so if we can get it with RD-93 or instead make a Blk (50+ planes) of JF-17 which covers LIFT and a dedicated strike will be more beneficial instead of just buying off the shelf.
The issue is USA will never transfer the GE-404 engine unless Pakistan purchases something that uses this engine. The aircraft that can be procured are F-18, Gripen, Tejas and KAI T/FA-50. Gripen and Tejas are out so this leaves Pakistan with the options of F-18 and T-50.
Somehow using JF-17 as LIFT option does not seem feasible even if we have mated them with western engines as this aircraft is not designed for such role.
All major Ops are over now. So drones/UCAV and Hinds might be enough for job on western border.
What my understanding is that attack heli can be deployed effectively by PA when PAF has achieved air superiority.
Lets see how things go in the future but keep in mind that Pakistan always considered Afghanistan as strategic depth.
Eaxactly, those are AH-1Fs cobras being upgraded, not AH-1Ws so agrees with what I said.
View attachment 572473
Super Cobra attack helicopter upgrade programme
A major upgrade of the Bell Super Cobra known as the H-1 programme is underway. The programme calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration, which will operate to beyond 2020. An upgraded cockpit configuration allows easy co-pilot access to the night targeting system (NTS). These are also remanufactured with ‘zero-time’ airframes comprising advanced technology.
The original two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system has been replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.
The USMC subsequently decided on new-build rather than remanufactured UH-1Y helicopters and, in February 2008, awarded Bell a contract for the new build of 40 of the proposed 189 AH-1Z helicopters. Four additional helicopters were ordered in September 2008.
First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in October 2003. Five AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and took part in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, US. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship.
Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and two test aircraft began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) with the USMC in May 2006. The first production AH-1Z helicopter was delivered to the USMC in January 2007. Phase II of OPEVAL began in February 2008, and the OPEVAL was completed in October 2010. In November 2010, the AH-1Z was approved for the full-rate production. Initial operating capability of the AH-1Z Cobra took place in February 2011.
The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of 145 helicopters required. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The government of the Republic of Korea requested a possible foreign military sale of 36 AH-1Z helicopters in September 2012. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a possible foreign military sale of 15 AH-1Zs to Pakistan in April 2015.
