U.S. military can’t rely on drones alone — it needs the AH-64 Apache manufactured in Mesa

Michael “Cash” Striplin

Submitted photo

The National Defense Authorization Act and the Defense Appropriations bill are going to determine the direction of our fighting forces. If the Apache isn’t funded this year, the manufacturing line could begin the process of shutting down. This would be a devastating loss for the Army and our overall national defense strategy. ”

What does the future of military engagement look like? 

It’s something congressional and military leaders have been discussing for years as they try to plan for what programs and operating systems they need to invest in. 

We can hop in a driverless car or buy drones off the shelf, which has sparked debate over how many manned aircraft and vehicles will be necessary in future warfare. New defense tech companies insist that unmanned aerial vehicles will be the key to future victory in the skies, particularly companies selling unmanned aircraft systems, robotics and launchers.

The Army sees these assets as enablers and if developed and integrated properly, they are force multipliers. Integrating these with Apache improves situational awareness, lethality and survivability.

Drones and other uncrewed aircraft can add value to U.S. warfighting efforts; however, they aren’t able to replace the men and women in the cockpits. As funding discussions continue on Capitol Hill, elected officials must keep that in mind.

The person in the loop is critical to adapting to the tactical situation. Apache crews need to leverage their UAS and other assets to utilize capabilities to unload the task saturation in the cockpit. The aircraft must do all essential functions to include collision avoidance, basic navigation and redundant comms, to name a few.  AI and software can handle many of these tasks now. Crews connected to UAS make decisions earlier and execute the fight at the precise time and location.  

For nearly three decades, I served in the U.S. Army and commanded an AH-64 Apache squadron. Among the Apache’s many assets is its ability to strike down drones with precision and consistency — achieved thanks to its arsenal of technological capabilities. Drones aren’t impervious; they can be countered with our own electronic warfare capabilities, and the Apache’s highly capable radar system can spot enemy drones on the battlefield and take them out. But the current radar is dated and demands an upgrade.  Technology is available to refine this capability, extend range and reduce weight. 

The Apache’s lethality is also due to the talent of its pilots. This specialized class of warfighters is instrumental behind the controls in a dynamic situation. They seamlessly operate the Apache to perform difficult maneuvers and make critical decisions at a moment’s notice to ensure mission success and the safety of ground troops.   

In a rapidly changing wartime environment, the use of drones has given militaries the ability to take out targets and manpower without risking human life. However, critical advantages come from human intelligence, thorough training and advanced weapon systems that can change the tide of battle. Drones are cost-effective but have limitations. Degraded visual environments, adverse weather, power management, time on station and basic system failures are inherent.  

The Apache is the Army’s elite attack helicopter. It has more than five million flight hours and has undergone several modernizations to make it critical for success in current military engagements. Col. Jay Maher, an Apache program manager, highlighted this point in an interview, saying that the Apache has “been forging a roadmap for technological growth” for years that allows the program to “incorporate new capability” that meets the needs of the Army right now. Further, the Apache’s capabilities allow it to “be successful on tomorrow’s battlefield” as well. And with more than 5,000 Apaches delivered to the U.S. Army and 18 international partners, it’s a program that needs continued investment to maintain its lethality and effectiveness.   

The Army has been in the process of remanufacturing the AH-64D Longbow — known as “Delta” models — into the modernized AH-64E Apache Guardian. This modernization effort has increased the helicopter’s horsepower, improved its manned-unmanned teaming functionality and extended its range all while delivering a better user experience for pilots. The “E” model’s improved radar also enables pilots to engage targets at “greater distances” and take out unmanned aircraft with increased precision. 

An uptick in conversations surrounding the need, or lack thereof, for manned aircraft may be causing Congress to second-guess the importance of continued investment in essential programs. However, in this time of transition, congressional leaders must cut through the noise and focus on what our military needs. The cancelation of the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft enhances the Apache’s importance. There is no replacement for the Apache, so without modernization investment from Congress, there will be a gaping hole in aerial capability that drones, and other unmanned aircraft cannot fill. Well-trained crews supported by the Joint Force will be the critical strike capability to change the momentum in a fight. Apache has always delivered that "punch" and will in the future if modernized.   

The National Defense Authorization Act and the Defense Appropriations bill are going to determine the direction of our fighting forces. If the Apache isn’t funded this year, the manufacturing line could begin the process of shutting down. This would be a devastating loss for the Army and our overall national defense strategy.   

Drones and unmanned aircraft will be important components of future fights, but they can’t carry the bulk of America’s warfighting efforts. There is no replacement for human intelligence and for capabilities only offered through elite programs of record like the AH-64 Apache.  

Editor’s note: Michael “Cash” Striplin is a retired U.S. Army colonel who served as Training and Doctrine Command system manager for the Apache Longbow and Hellfire missile. He also worked as senior manager for Apache Business Development at The Boeing Company’s Apache production plant in Mesa. He lives in Tucson. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.