Eight helicopters have been inducted into the air force in the first batch out of the 22 procured from the US.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has added more teeth to its combat capability by inducting eight Apache AH-64E attack helicopters.
In a ceremony presided over by the Chief Guest Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa, air chief handed over the keys to the base commander of Pathankot. The First Squadron of the Apache’s is being raised at the Pathankot Air Base, Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion Air Chief Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches will enhance the capability of the Indian Air Force.”
Talking about the capabilities of the Boeing produced helicopter Air Chief said, “Alongside, the capability to shoot fire and forget ATGM, air to air missiles, rockets & other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare.”
These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF.
The order for production, training and support of 22 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters was finalized by the Indian Ministry of Defence in 2015. The Indian government also cleared the acquisition of an additional six Apaches for the Indian Army in 2017. By 2020, the IAF will operate a fleet of 22 Apaches.
The India specific AH-64E Apache completed successful first flights in July 2018 and the first batch of Indian Air Force crew began their training to fly the Apache in the US in 2018.
Boeing has delivered more than 2,200 Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production and India is the 14th nation to select it for its military.
Apache helicopters can also be used for reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and in attack mode both land and littoral combat environments.
IAF is flying helicopters since 1954. Since then there has been no looking back for rotary wings which has proved its mettle. Mi35 in the past played a crucial role. Apache will replace the ageing fleet of Mi35, said Air Chief Dhanoa.
