CHAPTER 6: OPFOR Defensive Operations

6-9 AIR SUPPORT.

    a. Helicopters. Rotary-wing assets will typically be used by a defending OPFOR to stop an advancing BLUFOR. Attack helicopters will serve in this role. They are entered into the defense at the point where the attacking BLUFOR is deploying into platoon columns (2 to 3 km). If the BLUFOR gains territory in the OPFOR defensive area, the attack helicopters are used as an antitank reserve. They may also be used to strike any assault landing forces that enter into the rear of the OPFOR defense.

    Helicopters are located in a deployment location where they can be brought into action quickly, but out of range of the BLUFOR (25km+). Once the BLUFOR attacks, the helicopter flight is called to action and lifts from its deployment location. Helicopters will advance at the lowest possible altitude (20-30 m) using terrain masking to hide movement.

    Once they reach the front line, the helicopters will raise up to a search altitude 35-70 m over level terrain and 100-245 m over rolling terrain. The search will be conducted from behind some natural concealment such as woods or hills. The OPFOR prefers to keep attack helicopters within the safety net of friendly air defense systems. Typically, two attack helicopters will be used per flight. Flight speeds can reach 200 kph. OPFOR attack helicopter missile systems have ranges from 5 to 10 km that allow for maximum standoff distances.

    In the defense, targets for attack helicopters include:

• Tanks and IFVs in attack formations.

• Artillery in firing positions.

• Helicopters at forward jumping-off locations.

• First-echelon command posts.

• Brigade reserves.

    When the BLUFOR target is located, the helicopter will fire (if within range) or maneuver to a position closer to where the target can be reached. When firing the helicopters must aim and fire and withdraw with the following restrictions:

• MI-24 with the AT-6 must be guided to the target.

• MI-24 the gunner must keep his sight on the target until the missile strikes (approx. 11 seconds at max. range of 5,000 m).

• KA-50 has a fire and forget missile.

    If the attacking BLUFOR gains a foothold in the OPFOR’s defensive position, helicopters will be used as AT reserves and will be brought forward in flights of 2 to 4 to fire on the BLUFOR.

    b. Fixed-wing Aircraft. In the defense, OPFOR ground attack aircraft are deployed deep with ATGMs after the BLUFOR had deploys into platoon columns. The ground attack aircraft will also target the BLUFOR brigade follow on forces. The ground attack fixed-wing aircraft used in the support of an OPFOR defense will be used to interdict advancing BLUFOR (initially done to a depth of 12-15 km forward of the front lines).

    Targets for the fixed-wing aircraft include:

• Tank and mechanized infantry lines of deployment.

• Artillery firing positions.

• First-echelon battalion and brigade command posts.

• Brigade reserves.

    Other targets are left for the attack helicopters. The attack aircraft will initially attack the battalion and company deployment lines (12-15 km and 5-6 km deep). Ground attack aircraft are organized in flights of 2, 4, or 8 aircraft.