Where Does the Attack Helicopter Fit in to Ground Warfare?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine hasn't shown the weapon to be a key resource. Is this a lesson of the war or the result of unique circumstances of this war?

Are attack helicopters obsolete given modern ground defenses? 

The invasion of Ukraine has made clear the attack helicopter’s shortcomings in modern, high-intensity warfare. China has reportedly taken a hard look at Russian helicopter losses and decided that, while Russian forces have proven inept, there might be a lesson for the People’s Liberation Army’s own attack helicopter fleet—one that involves a hard right turn into armed drones. 

If the attack helicopter has grown obsolete, the armies of the world will replace it, but it’s also possible a change of tactics and weapons might not only make them more survivable, but more effective. The next decade may decide if the attack helicopter maintains its swagger, or joins the battleship in the pile of discarded, obsolete weapon systems.

I've wondered the same thing since that March 2003 attempted deep Apache strike mentioned in the article. Although that mission was doomed by delays that allowed the Iraqis to prepare, was flawed in its plan, and had poor fire support along the path of the mission. 

Still, I've long wondered if the Army operates attack helicopters because it is the only aerial fire support weapon it is allowed to use. If the Army had sole responsibility for close fires support, what mix of longer-range rockets and missiles, traditional artillery, and aircraft (manned and unmanned)--fixed wing and rotary wing--would it field?

Japan is already moving away from attack helicopters in favor of armed drones:

Japan has indicated it will give up its “obsolete” attack and observation helicopters in favor of unmanned systems, according to its defense buildup plans.

Could deep strike be revived with better tactics and supporting weapons? But even if so, is it worth the effort if other weapons can carry out the mission?

Would attack helicopters be best used as a mobile reserve against enemy penetrations where enemy air defenses are not fully set up?

They certainly seemed effective in War of Terror operations where the enemy largely lacked air defenses. Although one flak trap caused problems in Iraq.

UPDATE: The Russians may be using their helicopters effectively as a reserve to blunt Ukrainian attacks. This may be exploiting a lack of front line Ukrainian air defenses. 

But this rests on fragile and thin evidence and may represent a potential rather than reality. We'll see.

NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.