Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopters to be Inducted Into Indian Air Force This July: Report

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon induct United States (US)-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, as the first batch of our choppers will arrive in July this year, reported Hindustan Times. India had inked a $ 1.1-billion deal with the US defence giant Boeing, in September 2015 for 22 Apaches.

According to the report, the first batch of choppers will be based at the Pathankot air base. He report further added that the choppers will be split into two squadrons, with the second one to be based in eastern part of India in Jorhat. Indian Air Force Soon to Get Boeing’s Apache And Chinook Helicopters.

Video of Apache helicopter in action:

WATCH Brad Rounding from @BoeingDefense talk about the AH-64E Apache, the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter, and the increased capabilities that it will bring to the @IAF_MCC this year!
KNOW MORE: https://t.co/cwsnXdm2Fl pic.twitter.com/mlYO8j2oqJ

— Boeing India (@Boeing_In) February 22, 2019

The IAF is currently operating Soviet-origin Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopter gunships. Boeing is likely to deliver all the 22 helicopters through 2020. Meanwhile, on March 25, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa inducted the first batch of four Chinook helicopters into the IAF.

The Chinook heavy-lift helicopters had arrived in India from the US on February 10 this year. The multi-mission helicopters, which have been deployed in Chandigarh, will be used for transports artillery, troops, equipment, supplies to the battlefield. Indian Navy to Get MH-60 ‘Romeo’ Seahawk Helicopters Soon; US Approves USD 2.6 Billion Deal.

New Delhi signed a $ 3 billion deal to buy 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters in September 2015 with Boeing and the government of the United States. The Indian government signed a direct contract with the Boeing to procure Chinook helicopters, while the deal to buy Apache helicopters is a mixed one. India Signs $3-Billion Deal With Russia to Get Akula Class Nuclear Submarine, Chakra-III on Lease.

A part of the deal was signed with the US aviation company and the other half is signed with the US government under foreign military sales route. Meanwhile, last year, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government signed another deal with the Boeing to acquire six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army. It will be the first fleet of attack helicopters of the army.

(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/@Boeing_In)