Coalition Hints at Using Apaches: Will It Change Yemen's Conflict?

The coalition supporting the internationally recognized Yemeni government's hint at using Apache helicopters in Yemen has raised questions about the nature of the next military phase, coinciding with escalating operations on multiple fronts and continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones.

This followed a post by the coalition forces' spokesman, Major General Turki Al-Maliki, on the "X" platform. He attached a picture of Apache helicopters and wrote: "You claim to shoot it down... it will enter the field soon... remember its shape so you don't forget." This was in response to the Houthis' announcement of downing a Saudi helicopter of the same model near Najran.

The "Apache AH-64" helicopter is one of the most prominent attack helicopters. It features a 30mm cannon that can be aimed via a system linked to the pilot's helmet, with a firing rate of about 650 rounds per minute and a capacity of up to 1,200 rounds. 

It can also be armed with up to 16 guided "Hellfire" missiles or unguided "Hydra" rockets, depending on the mission's nature.

With video clips circulating showing Apache helicopters on the battlefronts in Al-Jawf governorate, according to Saudi and Yemeni media last Monday, the question arises whether their use will represent a shift in the course of the military confrontation in Yemen, or if it is part of a message of escalation and deterrence.

Symbolism of Past Battles

In this context, Abdul Salam Mohammed, head of the Abaad Center for Studies and Research, says: "The hint at using Apaches carries symbolism linked to past battles, as these helicopters were associated with the liberation of coastal areas and the arrival of Yemeni army forces in Hodeidah."

He added to "Almahriah Net" that "reminding them of it at the present time is a message to the Houthis that the coalition may seek to recapture Hodeidah using this weapon, which proved highly capable of defeating them in previous coastal battles."

He continued, "The Apache has other symbolism related to military operations in desert areas, especially in Marib and Al-Jawf, as well as previous events in Saada, when the Houthis tried to threaten Saudi Arabia's Jabal al-Dukhan."

Regarding the challenges, Mohammed noted that using Apaches in mountainous areas could be more difficult, given the possibility of them being targeted by anti-aircraft missiles, which could affect their effectiveness.

Mohammed believes that if the Apache enters the field of operations in the next phase, it could have significant military value, especially in coastal and desert areas.

Media Skirmishes

For his part, political analyst and head of the Peace Forum to Stop the War in Yemen, Adel Al-Hasani, says: "The hint at using Apache helicopters is nothing more than an escalation and media skirmishes, and a response from the Saudi coalition spokesman to the Houthis' announcement of downing a helicopter of the same model."

Al-Hasani explained to "Almahriah Net" that: "Apache helicopters have previously participated in military operations inside Yemen, including the Dhubab front and others, and they also participate daily on the Saudi border, but their situation could be dangerous given the qualitative development in Sana'a's military capabilities."

He added that "the Apache carries out its strikes from close ranges, unlike F-15 and F-16 warplanes which can target sites from long distances, making the Apache more vulnerable to being shot down."

Al-Hasani considered that Saudi Arabia has exhausted its military options, with only the option of direct military intervention through foreign forces remaining, and stressed that the hint at using Apaches is part of a media escalation.