Indian Air Force has upgraded its inventory to the latest generation of attack helicopters.
In a major boost to the Indian Air Force, eight Boeing AH- 64E Apache Guardian Attack Helicopters were inducted into the force on Tuesday.
IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa inducted the choppers officially into the service after a ceremony held at the Pathankot Air Force Station.
#NewInduction: Glimpses of AH-64E Apache attack helicopter's maiden flight at AFS Hindan.
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 2, 2019
The helicopter is planned to be inducted into the IAF on 03 Sep 19 at AFS Pathankot. pic.twitter.com/UYiSrEfOsg
Eight helicopters have been inducted into the air force in the first batch out of the 22 procured from the US. In September 2015, IAF had signed a contract with US Government and Boeing for these Apache helicopters.
The delivery of the whole lot is expected to be completed by 2020, as stated in the contract.
The helicopters have been customized to suit the force's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain with the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground.
#NewInduction: Glimpses of AH-64E Apache attack helicopter arrival at Air Force Station Hindan on 27 July 2019. pic.twitter.com/zBYG8YSlXI
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 2, 2019
1. President Boeing India hands over ceremonial key of Apache choppers to IAF chief Dhanoa
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President Boeing India, Salil Gupte, handed over the ceremonial key of Apache attack helicopter to Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the induction ceremony at Pathankot Airbase.
Punjab: President Boeing India, Salil Gupte, handed over the ceremonial key of Apache attack helicopter to Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. #PathankotAirbase pic.twitter.com/zxtOu1WSvg
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
The Indian Air Force will induct 22 of these choppers acquired from the US. (Photo: ANI)
2. Apache choppers receive water cannon salute during induction in IAF
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Ahead of the induction in the Indian Air Force, the Apache choppers received water cannon salute at the Pathankot Air Base.
#WATCH Punjab: The Apache chopper receives water cannon salute, before induction at the Pathankot Air Base. pic.twitter.com/YNT49rjr3B
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
"It's a ceremonial induction of the aircraft into IAF. As of now, we've 8 aircraft. 22 aircraft will come in phased manner and all will be inducted into IAF. We had attack helicopters earlier, but this aircraft brings in lethal firepower with great accuracy," Anupam Banerjee, IAF PRO said. (Photo: ANI)
3. Apache, a lethal acquisition
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The aircraft can transmit and receive battlefield pictures to and from the weapon systems through data networking making it a lethal acquisition. These helicopters will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces.
Punjab: IAF Chief BS Dhanoa and Air Marshal R Nambiar inspect the Apache 64E choppers, which have been inducted into the 125 Helicopter Unit ‘Gladiators’ of the Indian Air Force, today. #PathankotAirbase pic.twitter.com/jclf6WJn0P
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
The Apaches are equipped with hellfire missiles and rockets, with one helicopter having the capacity to carry 8 such missiles. It also has a canon gun with 1200 rounds of firing capacity at a time along with which two missile pods carrying 19 missiles each can be fixed. The attack helicopter can also be used for reconnaissance. (Photo: ANI)
4. US delivered Apache helicopters to various countries
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The US has delivered around 2200 Apache helicopters to various countries of the world. India is its 16th customer, Boeing said.
President Boeing India, Salil Gupte: These are the first 8 of the 22 Apache helicopters that are coming to India Air Force. These are the AH-64E variant, the same variant used by the US Army. These Apache helicopters have the latest technology. #PathankotAirbase pic.twitter.com/KWX6Chw4AI
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
Importantly, some of the major components of these machines have been made in India. (Photo: PTI)
