1/5...In the FEBA there are two bubbles to stay clear of...The AA Bubble and the MANPADS Bubble. A separation of ~ 5 km in horizontal and 3 km (10,000 ft) in vertical from Enemy GF is essential. Other Radar based SAM threats can be suppressed with EW, Decoys, ARMs, LMs.....

2/5.....and other such means. Airpower can then be employed with devastating effect. It’s extremely difficult for Attack Helicopter to remain outside these Bubbles, especially in Urban and Hilly Terrain. In these circumstances it is best to employ FW assets .

3/5.....The Apache Attack at Karbala on 24th March 2003 is a classic example.
“31 Attack Helicopters got airborne for this attack. Of the 29 returning Apaches, all but one suffered serious damage. On average, each Apache had 15-20 bullet holes; one Apache even took 29 hits.

4/5.... Sixteen main rotor blades, six tail blades, six engines and five drive shafts were damaged beyond repair. In one squadron only a single helicopter was deemed fit to fly. It took a month until the unit was ready to fight again.

5/5......The casualties sustained by the Apaches induced a change of tactics by placing significant restrictions on their use. Attack helicopters would now be used to reveal the location of enemy troops, allowing them to be destroyed by artillery and air strikes.”