First Eight Apache Attack Helicopters Enter Indian Air Force Service

PATHANKOT, India --- Eight US made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet today in Pathankot, in a major boost to India's combat capabilities. A priest performed rituals in front of a helicopter at the Pathankot Air Force base and the aircraft was given a "water cannon salute" to mark the handover.

The helicopters were inducted in the presence of Air Force chief BS Dhanoa.

In 2015, India had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with Boeing for the supply of 22 of these choppers, widely considered the most advanced helicopters of their type in the world.

#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. pic.twitter.com/UYiSrEfOsg

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 2, 2019

The Apaches are meant to progressively replace the IAF's legacy fleet of Russian Mi-35 choppers which are nearing the end of their service life. The choppers, which fire anti-armour missiles, are meant to take out tanks and hardened targets in the Rajasthan desert. They are equipped with advanced sensors to enable them to detect and engage their targets while flying very low and at high speeds to evade detection by enemy forces. (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the NDTV website.

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