4 Squadrons of Armed Helicopters of Indian Air Force

4 Squadrons of Armed Helicopters At present Indian Air force is operating a massive fleet of 223 of Russian Mi-17 helicopters. The twin engine helicopter is primarily used as military utility and transport aircraft; Now as per latest reports, Indian Air force is planning to arm the helicopter with very long-range air to surface anti-tank guided missiles. This is another lesson from on-going Russia Ukraine conflict, however the idea of arming Mi-17 helicopters emerged first during the Indo-China border standoff in Ladakh where PLA Army have fielded their Type-15 light weight tanks in large numbers against Indian forces. As per the latest update, four of IAF's Mi-17 helicopter sqns have now been dedicated for light attack role. They are armed with ATGMs and rockets. These helicopters are soon going to be integrated with the Spike NLOS. Indian army has also ordered few missiles from Israel and is now looking for make in India route for the massive order of Spike NLOS missile. Here you might have a question as What is the need to order ATGMs from Israel when there is indigenous option like Helina. To understand this, we will have briefly look into the features of Spike NLOS missile. Spike NLOS The Spike NLOS is a 4th generation multi-purpose electro optical missile with real time wireless data link. The electro optical sensor of Spike NLOS has day and night sensors which enables it to operate in all weather, day & night conditions. The missile follows lofted trajectory for top attack where the tanks are most vulnerable. The missile can be operated in either for direct attack or can be guided in mid-course based on targets coordinate. This will enable the missile to neutralize the long-range hidden targets with pinpoint accuracy and even the damage assessment and real-time intelligence can also be gathered using its electro optical sensor. The missile has a reported range of 25kms. At the same time Helina has range between 7-10kms only which is still a decent range, however the ability to strike at 25km range is going to be very useful for armed forces in targeting the targets such as bunkers, terror launch pads, armoured columns etc. on the other sides of the border very easily. Battle proven Spike NLOS India is not the only country to equip Spike NLOS to its helicopter. In the year 2020, the US Army announced its intention to procure Spike NLOS missiles to be mounted on Apache helicopters. A test was conducted in March 2021 where an AH-64E fired a Spike NLOS at a target 32 km away and scored a direct hit. During Iraq & Afghanistan war, the British Army has also heavily used these missiles mounted on its M113 APCs. South Koreans have also procured this missile in unknown numbers. In summary, this missile is battle proven and with long stand-off range unlike other ATGMs this missile is going to massively boost the fire power of Indian Air force. I think this is really smart move by Air force to use same platform of MI-17 for dual purpose i.e., transportation and attack capability. ==========WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN============= Most of the pictures clip or BGM included in the Video Belongs to their Respected Owners and we do not claim rights. We are using them under following act: =================DISCLAIMER======================= UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976, ALLOWANCE IS MADE FOR "FAIR USE" FOR PURPOSES SUCH AS CRITICISM, COMMENT, NEWS REPORTING, TEACHING, SCHOLARSHIP, AND RESEARCH. FAIR USE IS A USE PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT STATUTE THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE INFRINGING. NON-PROFIT, EDUCATIONAL OR PERSONAL USE TIPS THE BALANCE IN FAVOR OF FAIR USE. Follow us on social media:   / analysisdefense   https://indiandefenseanalysisofficial...   / indian-defense-analysis-115230683684126   ==============THANKS FOR WATCHING!================ PLEASE LIKE SHARE & SUBSCRIBE: "INDIAN DEFENSE ANALYSIS" Music: Eternal Garden - Dan Henig