Adding muscle to the IAF firepower, eight Apache attack helicopters were inducted into the force at the Pathankot air force station. Dubbed 'flying tanks', Apache attack helicopters will be a major component in tank battles for the Indian Army, especially on the western front with Pakistan. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at stand-off ranges and can be operated in hostile airspaces with threats from ground. Fitted with air-to-air missiles, Apache helicopters are capable of detecting 256 moving targets and engaging them. Apache, a twin-engine helicopter, is operated by two pilots. With its array of modern electronics, Apache is considered to be one of the most advanced combat helicopters.
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Apache helicopters were involved in missions during the 1991 Gulf War between the US and Iraq, and then in Afghanistan. India will be the 14th country to operate these attack helicopters. Apache will replace the ageing Russian-made Mi25/Mi35.
Eight AH-64E Apache helicopters, manufactured by Boeing, arrived at the Hindon base in July. Later, they were transported to Pathankot in Punjab for formal induction.
“Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apart from the capabilities to shoot fire and launch anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and other ammunition, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopters in a network-centric aerial warfare," Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said at the ceremony.
He added that Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. "These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF. I am happy to note that the delivery schedule is on time with eight helicopters already being delivered,” Dhanoa added.
Boeing, in a statement, said that India is receiving the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache, that is also flown by the US Army. By 2020, the IAF will operate a fleet of 22 Apaches. The order for production, training and support of these helicopters was finalised by the ministry of defence in 2015. The MoD is also in the process of evaluating the acquisition of additional six Apaches for the Indian Army.
“Boeing is committed to supporting the modernisation requirements of the Indian armed forces and maintaining them to be mission-ready,” said Salil Gupte, president of Boeing India. “We are confident that the Apaches will be an indispensable asset to the Indian Air Force. We will continue our efforts to deliver advanced capabilities to India’s defence forces,” added Gupte.
The AH-64E Apache is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter. The Apaches also have a fully integrated, digital cockpit that enhances the aircraft's mission performance. It is uniquely suited to meet a commander’s needs, including reconnaissance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack across myriad environments, without reconfiguration.