And how many decades ago was that?
The problem with only buying 8 helicopters is 2 fold.
1. During normal training, the most helicopters available on a daily basis will be 5 or if they are very lucky, 6.
2. In a real shooting war, 6 will be available for a first strike, for the second strike, they may be lucky to raise 4, for a 3rd strike they may get 1 or 2, there will probably be no 4th strike as they will all have been destroyed in action.
It would be best if the airmen were trained in ground defence as there will most likely be no helicopters left.