Missile event in Palestine on Mon 1st January 2024

An AH-64 Apache combat helicopter was hit by a Strela MANPADS in eastern Gaza, was seriously damaged and was forced to leave the area.

Conflicts are getting closer, front lines are expanding, the use of airborne munitions, the lack of precision-guided munitions, as well as friendly fire and long maintenance periods are reducing immediate air support.

The need for attack helicopters is growing, and Gaza factions are also taking direct hits due to the increase in flights.

Since MANPADS are usually of older types, heavily armored helicopters have a chance to escape for a forced or emergency landing, but sooner or later outright destruction may occur if this continues.

Israel's aviation losses are as follows:

11 damaged AH-64 Apache, 2 damaged F-16, 1 heavily damaged F-16 and destroyed CH-53D Sea Stallion, 23 UAVs