First Boeing Apache Helicopter formally handed over to the Indian Air Force

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May 11, 2019

First Boeing Apache Helicopter formally handed over to the Indian Air Force

Boeing Apache Helicopter

Photo: Air Marshal A.S. Butola accepting the first AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter from Mr. Steve Wade, the Vice President for Attack Helicopter Programs, Boeing, during a ceremony held at Boeing production facility, in Mesa, Arizona, the USA on May 10, 2019.

Boeing Apache Helicopter

Photo: Representatives of Indian Air Force accepting the first AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter led by Air Marshal A.S. Butola along with representatives from Boeing and US Government, during a ceremony held at Boeing production facility, in Mesa, Arizona, the USA on May 10, 2019.

First AH-64E (I) - Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, the USA on May 10, 2019. Air Marshal AS Butola, represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. Representatives from the US Government were also present.

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. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama.

According to India’s Ministry of Defence, the addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernization of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet. The aircraft has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have the substantial capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter can carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the 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 a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces, the Ministry said.

Source: Ministry of Defence, New Delhi.

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