Indian Air Force gets 8 Apache attack helicopters
Pathankot : Indian Air Force on Tuesday extended its fleet with the inclusion of eight US-made Apache AH-64E(I) helicopters at the Pathankot Air Base.
“#NewInduction: Glimpses of AH-64E Apache attack helicopter’s maiden flight at AFS Hindan. The helicopter is planned to be inducted into the IAF on 03 Sep 19 at AFS Pathankot,†Indian Air Force said tweeting a four-minute video of the chopper.
#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
India signed a $1.1-billion deal with US defence giant Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache choppers to sharpen its attack capabilities. The IAF currently flies Soviet-origin Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopter gunships.
As a part of first segment eight helicopters have been delivered while all the 22 helicopters will be delivered by the end of 2020.
This happens to be the second US-built helicopters to join the Air Force fleet. IAF has already inducted Boeing CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters on March 25.
The choppers will be used for ferrying heavy loads in the mountainous region of Ladakh and other areas for the Army and Air Force requirements.
