IAF: Indian Air Force Tuesday formally inducted 8 Boeing Apache AH-64E combat helicopters in its fleet. These attack helicopters produced by Boeing Defense have been based at Pathankot airbase near Pakistan border.
Apache attack helicopters are equipped with hellfire anti-tank missiles, canons and other rockets and ammunition and they are considered one of the best attack helicopters in the world.
“Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities to provide versatility to helicopters in network-centric aerial warfare,” Chief of Air Staff BS Dhanoa said after induction of Apache helicopters.
In July last year, India has placed order for 15 heavy lift Boeing Chinook Ch-47 helicopters and 22 Apache attack helicopters manufactured by the same defence and aerospace giants. The deal was valued at around $3 billion.
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Apache attack helicopters are expected to significantly improve battlefield attack capabilities of Indian Air Force.
On July 27, 8 Apache helicopters were delivered to IAF at its Hindon airbase near capital New Delhi and remaining 14 will be delivered by the next year.
India has the option to buy six more Apaches for the Indian Army as it is basically considered one of the best tank killer helicopters in the world.
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Salient features of Apache AH-64E helicopter
Apache comes with the latest technology insertions capable of performing several missions.
It has a fully integrated, digital cockpit, enhancing the aircraft’s mission performance.
These helicopters are uniquely tailored to meet IAF’s specific needs.
Apaches can be used in reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack, in difficult environments.
