Indian Air Force received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at its production facility in Arizona, in the US. India has signed a contract with the US for 22 of these choppers in September 2015.
The first batch of Apache Guardian attack helicopters will be shipped to India in July.
#ApacheInduction: First AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the IAF at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA on 10 May 19. Air Mshl AS Butola, represented the IAF & accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. pic.twitter.com/FzA0IfRine
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019
Air Marshal AS Butola, who represented the Indian Air Force, accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility where US government representatives were also present.
The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is seen as a significant step towards modernisation of the Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.
The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAF’s helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. pic.twitter.com/prN3vjx4dH
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019
The first Apache Guardian attack helicopter has been customised to suit IAF’s future requirements and will have significant capability in the mountainous terrain.
The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground.
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These helicopters’ ability, 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 also provide a significant edge in future joint operations in support of land forces.