India Air Force gets first batch of Apache Helicopters |
US aerospace major Boeing handed over the first 4 of the 22 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force on Saturday.. The delivery of the first batch of the AH¬64E Apache helicopters to the IAF at the Hindon air base came nearly four years after a multibillion dollar deal for the choppers was sealed. The Apache helicopters arrived in India and an additional four choppers will be delivered to the IAF next week. The eight choppers together, will then move to the Pathankot Air Force station for their formal induction by the IAF, in September. The AH¬64E Apache is one of the world`s most advanced multi¬role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army. The Indian Air Force had signed a multi¬billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers. The addition the Apache fleet will significantly enhance the force`s combat capabilities as the chopper has been customised to suit IAF`s future requirements.
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