In big boost, IAF gets first Apache helicopter

New Delhi: In a boost to Indian Air Force’s firepower, the first Apache Guardian attack helicopter was formally handed over to it at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, on  Friday.

Apache attack helicopter carry radar-guided Hellfire anti-tank missiles to destroy high value targets, air to air  Stinger missiles and guns.

IAF had signed a contract with 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 this year. Apaches will be based at the Pathankot and Jorhat airbases. Air Marshal A.S. Butola, represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility, representatives from the United States Government were also present. The selected air crew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama.

These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF.

The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.

“The helicopter has been customised to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain,” said IAF spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee. He said that the helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at stand-off ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. “These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces,” added Group Captain Banerjee.

Apache attack helicopters first proved their mettle in Gulf war when they destroyed  early-warning radar in western Iraq clearing the way for fighter jets to bomb their targets undetected.