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Dispatches from Afghanistan

UK Apache: No Greater Friend, No Fiercer Foe

By Madonna Walsh, Boeing Defence UK Communications

Back to Dispatches from Afghanistan

Force protection is the single most important mission for the United Kingdom's Apaches in Afghanistan. Escorting Chinooks in the air or coalition forces on the ground, or providing firepower as needed, Apaches are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

An Apache prepares for deployment. (Neg#: MSF09-0077-10)
An Apache prepares for deployment. (Photo courtesy of AgustaWestland)
"We consider Apache as part of our ground force," said the Commanding Officer of Joint Helicopter Force Afghanistan (JHF(A)) at Camp Bastion (identity withheld for security). "It is the best asset for the job at hand."

"A majority of the time, we couldn't do our job if the Apache wasn't there to protect us," said Squadron Leader Johnny Priest, a Chinook pilot for the Royal Air Force. "Many of our call-outs are to hot zones where we are looking for protection from both the ground and the air. That's where the Apache comes in."

The UK's Attack Helicopter Force, of which the Apache is a part, is one of several UK and international groups that provide force protection to coalition forces.

An Apache flies point over the Red Desert of Afghanistan. (Neg#: MSF09-0077-11)
An Apache flies point over the Red Desert of Afghanistan. (Photo courtesy of AgustaWestland)

"It's a really interesting fabric of business where the Apache weaves very tightly to the Chinook; while the Lynx does so with the Sea King," said Group Capt. Andy Turner, Commander Joint Aviation Group Afghanistan. "We gather and build combat power on unique occasions through the month in order to defeat the enemy on his terms at the time and place of our choosing."

While not every coalition country flies the Apache helicopter, the platform is interoperable with allied aircraft and creates an advantage for the warfighter on the ground as well as in the sky.

"We've flown missions with the Americans, Australians, Dutch and are now getting up to speed with the Canadians," said a British Army Air Corps Apache pilot (identity withheld for security). "Being able to communicate with each other and understand each other's abilities is vital to the success of our missions."

Key to the Apache's role in force protection is its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

"There have been times when we've been in a convoy heading out to build a bridge or deliver supplies and an Apache has flown straight overhead and spoiled an ambush waiting for us up ahead," said a British Army engineer (identity withheld for security). "The enemy sees the Apache coming and it's a major deterrent."

A Royal Marine commando best summed up his feelings for the protection provided by the aircraft and its crew: "At the end of the day, I feel safer on the ground when I know an Apache is in the air."