Valid point but the Lynx has also been scaled down dramatically. With orders to replace them as we have seen by a number not tallying up with what we get rid off.
Surely there is a need for a Lynx size cab on the battlefield still yet they are not replacing the Lynx with a great number are they?
The Mk3 Chinooks, when they come into service will be a big enhacement in capability but wait till it happens, the older Chinooks will end up being mothballed and so we will be back to square one again with the same amount of airframes, albeit a few slightly newer...not necessarily working.
With Predator, we only have a limited number (as usual) procuring a small amount. They can't all be in the same area as our troops are operating at the same time. What's the procurement, 4?
We buy Apache, and get rid of the Lynx TOW capability. Yet the Apaches can't as above be in the same area at the same time to provide overwatch to our troops. Because we always field too little...The Lynx which could have been ferrying small squads around could also provide fire support (like it did in Iraq with the Gazelle) with the TOW.
The US Army does not rely on just the Apache or Predator to provide a watch. They arm their UH-60s, OH-58D's etc with Hellfires and TOW and guns as do other NATO countries, so there must be a need for it?