Soviet Attack Helicopters and their Implications for U.S. Army Division Operations

This monograph is a historically based analysis of Soviet and U.S. attack helicopter development since 1962. Significant and recent changes in Soviet attack helicopter organization and employment are presented. Among the many conclusions drawn from this analysis are: rapid Soviet progress in development and employment of tactical attack helicopters has surprised western observers; the average U.S. Army officer is not aware of the Soviet progress; U.S. divisional doctrine does not address the impact of the Soviet attack helicopter; and divisions are not training their forces to counter the Soviet threat. This monograph concludes that doctrinal and training changes which address the Soviet attack helicopter threat must be quickly developed and implemented. Failure to do so may have a negative impact on future U.S. division tactical operations against Soviet forces.