'Milestone moment' for Army as first batch of Apache helicopters arrive in India | In pics
Defence minister Rajnath Singh described the arrival of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters as a "significant step" towards strengthening India's defence capabilities.
1. In a major boost to India's military capability, the Army today took delivery of the first three of six Boeing-built AH-64E Apache helicopters on Tuesday after over 15-month wait. The Indian Army described its arrival as a "milestone moment". (Image: X/@adgpi)
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2. Boeing delivered the AH-64E Apache choppers, known as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, as part of a contract to supply six helicopters to the Indian Army. The rest of the helicopters will be delivered by year-end. Other procedures, such as assembling, the Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI), and induction, would be followed as per the protocol. (Image: X/@adgpi)
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3. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army. (Image: X)
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4. The desert camo painted helicopters, which sport fuselages built by a Tata-Boeing joint venture on the outskirts of Hyderabad, are destined for combat patrol missions near the Pakistan border, where they will immediately be a major boost to the Indian Army's combat rotorcraft fleet, currently comprising Indian-made Dhruv Rudra and Prachand helicopters. (Image: News18)
5. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. In 2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 E-model Apaches to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and signed a contract to supply six AH-64Es for the Indian Army. (Representational image/AP)
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6. India has now joined the likes of the United States, the UK, Israel and Egypt to use the Boeing-made Apache choppers. These helicopters are armed with a powerful 30 mm chain gun, laser and radar-guided Hellfire missiles for precision strikes, and rocket pods capable of engaging multiple ground targets. (Representational image/AP)
