Indian Air Force Gets Its First AH-64E (I) Apache Attack Helicopter At Boeing Plant In US

IAF Boeing AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian is an advanced attack helicopter that can engage both air and ground targets with relative stealth using low-altitude obstacles like trees and hills as cover.

Air Marshal AS Butola represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at the Boeing production facility, the IAF tweeted. Representatives from the US government were also present, it said.

The IAF had signed a contract with the US government and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.

The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July. Aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the facilities of the US Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead operate the Apache fleet in the IAF.




#ApacheInduction: First AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the IAF at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA on 10 May 19. Air Mshl AS Butola, represented the IAF & accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. (Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC 11 May 2019)


The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAF’s helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. (Indian Air Force @IAF_MCC 11 May 2019)

The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking, makes it a lethal acquisition, the IAF says.

These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces, the IAF said on a Facebook post.

India has already bought the Chinook transport helicopter, made by Boeing, from the US. The Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, which is used for transporting troops, artillery, equipment and fuel.


Source: NDTV - New Delhi  By All India  | Reported by Vishnu Som, Edited by Debanish Achom | 12 May 2019

Photo: Indian Air Force First AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter (Photo by IAF)

Bharatiya Vayu Sena (INDIA XAIRFORCES Editor)
bharatiya.vayu.sena@gmail.com
Facebook.com/bharatiya.vayu.sena
Twitter.com/BharatiyaVayuSe


(12.05.2019)