“We are ready to defend our country”

Reporting by: Christos Mazanis
Camera – Photos: Haris Gigas
Production: Zougla.gr 2022

They call them “flying Indians” or “tank destroyers”. Aggressive ones for sure Apache helicopters This is Hellenic Armed Forces They have rightly won the above titles.

While facing the most gruesome challenges on the battlefield, they intimidate their enemies with their looks. “Forest” met her 1st Army Air Corps In Stefanovicio Magnesia And especially 2nd Attack Helicopter Battalion (2nd TEEP) To capture moments of the daily life of our pilots who are on call 24 hours a day operating these war machines. As they said, “They are ready to do their duty for the country”.

According to the latest information, Greece currently has 29 Apache attack helicopters. 10 of them are of “D” configuration, i.e. the most advanced version and the remaining 19 are of “A” configuration, which is the first series of the type.

The lens of our electronic newspaper records the operational training of their pilots Apache AH-64D Longbow That means the most advanced version.

It is considered by the military to be the most powerful attack helicopter in the world. “It has high-tech equipment and its basic mission is very simple. It is a war machine designed to cause maximum destruction to the enemy.” Among other things, the commander of the 2nd TEEP says, Lt. Col. Lazaros Risopoulos.

Although the Apache was originally designed by the Americans to destroy tanks, its capabilities now extend beyond that role.

They can operate across the country. By Euro They can be found in a few hours on some endangered islands. It is noteworthy that the Turkish Army does not have such helicopters.

The most common mission for these military air attack helicopters is search, destroy and attack infiltration.

“We’re testing their capabilities every day, and at the same time we’ve developed unique techniques. Each of our flights is different.” Emphasizing the Lt. Col. adds: “Our training is intensive and the crew can undertake a full range of missions during operations. An important and unique quality possessed by this unit is that its daily life has no beginning and no end. We strive to continuously ensure maximum operational readiness through continuous training. We pay special attention to flight safety, but the staff here copes well».

Another thing that makes “Flying Indians” special is its stealthy and stealthy tactics and the weapon systems it carries.

A squadron of Apache helicopters was mounted Hellfire Missiles An entire armored brigade can deal massive damage.

The personnel of the 2nd TEEP have many challenges, but the Greek operators are considered among the best in the world because they distinguish themselves in the exercises that are carried out regularly.

As he says “in the forest” Battalion personnel, many of whose missions included reconnaissance and night-time exercises in the Aegean islands, were another advantage for the Apaches.

Greek pilots are trained to operate in a maritime environment, which has particular difficulties. The Apache It can carry out various tasks in its area of ​​responsibility ASDEN These helicopters are not designed to fly low over the sea. However, the Air Force is planning operations in the country Aegean with great success.

Why is it considered the most effective attack helicopter in the world?

“It is used on all battlefields in modern wars. Its very successful training is due to very good results. It is a flying weapon and computer systems platform that gives the operator unlimited possibilities to use this information, interpret it, analyze it and attack his chosen target. US forces and other The use of forces definitely shows us the highest firepower in this helicopter and that is why it is considered the most modern and effective at this time in the world. Lt. Col. Risopoulos responds.

As mentioned earlier the AH-64D Longbow version is more advanced. There are significant improvements compared to previous versions. They have excellent facility to engage stationary and moving targets in low light and visibility environment. Target engagement procedures have also been improved. Maintenance requirements are reduced. Generally, they show a significant increase in destructiveness.

But the most significant difference to the AH-64D version is the installation of the AN/APG-78 Longbow Kilometer Wave Fire Control Radar. It is installed above the central propeller and has a maximum range of 8 km.

As the Americans say, it is capable of identifying and classifying 128 targets, prioritizing 16 of the most dangerous targets, transmitting the above information to other friendly helicopters or aircraft, and executing the target attack process within 30 seconds.

It also has a fixed weapon Cannon placed under the cockpit. With a special device carried by the pilot, the gun barrel can be aimed wherever the operator sees it.

It has weapon systems to mess with even more Rockets and Hellfire missiles and a countermeasures system, to protect itself. It is physically shielded, while the main rotor blades can maintain their performance even after being pierced by projectiles of a certain caliber.

Why was it called “Apache”?

According to the commander of the 2nd TEEP, “Its name, “Apache”, is due to the tribute that Americans pay by always choosing indigenous names from the Indian heritage, from the first inhabitants of the American continent, choosing such Indian names for all types of helicopters. “.

“Cooperation with Egypt, Israel, Bulgaria, Cyprus and many countries with the Americans proves that our level is very high. Our divisions now have 27 years of experience. An experience accumulated and adapted to the Greek business environment, it pays off” Lazaros Rizopoulos will also add.

When asked about the physical condition of the operators, the experienced captain clarified: “We can fly these helicopters as long as our health allows. That’s why we train and judge ourselves every day. We train as we fight, always remembering that we must return safely to our unit, our country and our family. The Attack Helicopter Wing ensures the territorial integrity of our country. Continuously and uninterruptedly participates in doing and sustaining the morale of the Greek people. This is our mission and mission. Make sure that whatever it takes, we are ready to do our duty.