New Delhi: The US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters will be inducted into the Indian Air Force at Pathankot in Punjab on September 3, an official said on Friday. The first four of the 22 attack choppers AH-64E were handed over to the IAF by the original manufacturer (OEM) Boeing on July 27.
“The IAF is organising an induction ceremony of Apache AH-64E helicopters at the Pathankot air force station on September 3,” Defence Spokesman Lt Col Devender Anand was quoted by news agency PTI.
The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army.
The first batch of Apache choppers was delivered at the Hindon base almost four years after a contract was signed to procure them following a tendering process.
Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of ₹4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers.
By 2020, the IAF will operate a fleet of 22 Apaches, and these first deliveries are ahead of schedule.
