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Helicopters Against Terrorism: The Unique Israeli Model

(Military and Strategic Affairs-Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Tal Tovy - The combination of great mobility, short response times and the concentration of heavy firepower makes attack helicopters an effective, lethal weapon system in confronting guerrilla forces and/or terrorists. Despite their vulnerability, helicopters can launch guided missiles from long distances, thereby surprising guerrilla forces. By the time they manage to regroup, the helicopter can be long gone from the fire zone. In addition, numerous confrontations in the last few decades have taken place in densely populated urban settings, requiring the ability of attack helicopters to cause pinpoint damage so as to minimize casualties among non-combatant civilians. Many actions carried out by helicopter can be handled by other forces, but its use achieves a similar effect at lower risk. It is also possible they have a psychological impact, an important aspect in fighting against non-state actors. Dr. Tal Tovy is an Assistant Professor at the History Department of Bar-Ilan University.
2015-05-14 00:00:00
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