Gao Yang now controlled an armed helicopter, and with it, the initiative on the battlefield.
In combat, being able to act freely according to one's own intentions and maintain initiative is crucial.
Whether it was fighting as a small team or commanding a large army in this battle, victory only came after seizing the initiative.
If one starts with the initiative, it can be turned into victory, whereas if one starts without it, a way must be found to take control of it.
Sometimes, the balance of initiative may change over a single piece of equipment. Before the armed helicopters arrived, Gao Yang's team was passive, even though they had the advantage in numbers and strength, but the British had tanks and had laid minefields, leaving Gao Yang without a way to counterattack. The British, despite some losses, could attack or defend at will, and leave whenever they wished.