The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday inducted eight Apache Ah-64E attack helicopters during a glittering ceremont held at Pathankot airbase. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest of the event. The newly inducted helicopters received water cannon salute. In 2015, the Indian government had signed a deal with the United States (US) and Boeing to procure 22 Apache helicopters.The choppers will inducted into the IAF in a phased manner. All the 22 chopper will be delivered to the IAF by 2020. The helicopters landed at the Hindan airbase on July 28.
Indian Air Frce’s Tweet:
Glimpses of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter induction ceremony, held at Air Force Station Pathankot. pic.twitter.com/CDthKPFrKZ
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2019
Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the induction ceremony said “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 EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare.” IAF Gets First Apache Helicopter During Ceremony Held at Boeing’s Production Facility in United States’ Arizona; Watch Video.
Cannon Salute to Apache Helicopters:
#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
Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa further added, “Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by IAF. I am happy to note that the delivery schedule is on time with eight helicopters already being delivered.”
India is the 16th nation including Taiwan which to have Apache attack helicopters in service. The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. The helicopter was introduced to U.S. Army service in April 1986.
(Picture Courtesy: Twitter/Doordarshan)
