The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has explained why the administration of President Bola Tinubu is more favourably disposed to having combat helicopters deployed for the war against insurgency and banditry than the Super Tucano.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, the organisation explained that facts at its disposal showed that the President favoured the combat helicopters because of their easy adaptability to the task of neutralising terrorists without putting the unarmed populace at risk in the theatre of war.
The statement said, “Compared to the Tucano which is a fixed-wing plane earlier inducted into the NAF fleet, combat helicopters excel in forest warfare by providing rapid, low-level fire support, reconnaissance, and troop transport, overcoming terrain barriers with nap-of-the-earth flying, spotting hidden enemies, and delivering precision strikes with missiles and rockets, making them crucial for close air support (CAS) in dense woodlands where ground access is difficult.
“Some of the other advantages inherent in combat helicopters include enabling attacks on enemy positions, vehicles, or troops hidden in tree lines, and providing immediate firepower to ground forces. They also use advanced sensors to spot enemy movements, fortifications, and ambushes from above the canopy, providing critical intelligence in the same vein.
“They can identify and mark targets for other air assets or artillery. In addition, because they can fly low (nap-of-the-earth), they can avoid detection and reach areas inaccessible to fixed-wing aircraft like the Tucano or ground vehicles. Also, excellent agility allows them to navigate tight spaces, even flying between trees and buildings; as such, they can be deployed quickly from forward fuelling points, offering immediate response.
“In essence, combat helicopters act as “flying cavalry,” providing unmatched tactical flexibility and firepower for operations deep within dense, forested terrain, adapting quickly to the dynamic challenges of woodland combat.”
The organisation noted that, having considered the variables, it was convinced that the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise combat helicopters was a well-taken one.
The statement added: “Aggregating the potential impact of the platforms when eventually delivered, we can assert that the new accuracy and precision capabilities that will come with these platforms have the potential to move the needle away from extensive collateral damage that had limited engagements with insurgents and bandits to pinpointed exploits, something which may ultimately recover the confidence of the people in the operational capacity of the military.
“There is a greater likelihood that operational gains can be sustained when they are not exposed to a population feeling threatened, but rather are there to protect them.
“For example, the APKWS II laser-guided rockets and programmable fuses add a new level of accuracy to the Nigerian arsenal. In contrast to unguided munitions, they can enable more surgical airstrikes, such as in densely populated areas or where the insurgents purposefully mix with the civilian population.
“Through the combination of surveillance drones, intelligence squads and ground forces, precision-guided weapons have a remarkable chance of enhancing coordinated attacks, especially in inaccessible areas or deeply forested insurgent hideouts.”
The organisation said that coordinated assault using combat helicopters and drones may also be useful against the criminal elements.
“Military-grade drone manufacturing is gradually becoming entrenched in Nigeria, thereby increasing the prospects of coordinating combat helicopters and drones in attack situations.
“The coordination of combat helicopters and drones, primarily through Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), offers significant and growing potential in attack scenarios by enhancing situational awareness, reducing human risk, and increasing operational efficiency,” the statement added.