India is set to receive the first consignment of long-awaited Apache attack helicopters from the United States on July 21, according to NDTV.
Sources associated with defence and security establishments told NDTV that the helicopters will be deployed on the Pakistan border.
Also known as the 'tanks in the air', the AH-64Es advanced attack helicopters will land at the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Hindon Air Force Station.
The development comes over 15 months after the army raised its first Apache squadron in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. However, the deployment of the helicopters kept getting postponed due to the disruption in the supply chain and rapid changes in the global geopolitical situation. Currrently, two squadrons of the Indian Air Force are already active - one in Pathankot and the other in Jorhat.
The Indian Air Force had already purchased 22 Apache helicopters under a deal with the US government and Boeing in 2015. The US completed delivery of all 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Later in the year, when US President Donald Trump (during his first term) visited India, New Delhi signed a deal worth $600 million to buy six Apache helicopters. Under this, the first consignment was to be delivered to India between May and June 2024. However, the deployment was delayed.
In 2023, the Indian Army got its first AH-64 Apache helicopter delivered from Hyderabad's Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited.
According to official sources cited in a News18 report, three of the six helicopters ordered from the US are slated for delivery.
“The AH-64E is the most modern configuration of the Apache and is ready for the multi-domain operation (MDO) battlefield. A network-centric, fully integrated weapon system specifically built to dominate in a highly contested and complex battle space, the AH-64E Version 6, or v6, Apache includes multiple enhancements to the aircraft’s sensors, software and weapons performance,” read the Boeing website.
The Apache helicopters can be used not only to attack, but also in security, reconnaissance, and peace operations.
According to reports, the helicopter is equipped with Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm chain gun. It is also capable of engaging ground targets, armoured vehicles, and even low-flying aircraft.
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