Pathankot: The Indian Air Force has inducted 8 US-made Apache Helicopters at the Pathankot Air Force Station today. B S Dhanoa, IAF Chief Marshal was the chief guest of the induction ceremony.
The Chief Marshal told that Apache attack helicopters are being brought to replace the IAF’s existing Mi-35 fleet. They will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force and the strike force, he added.
The AH-64E Apache is among the most sophisticated multi-role fighter copters. One helicopter has the capacity to carry eight missiles and has a capacity to fire 1200 rounds at a time and two missile pods carrying 19 missiles. It is a significant step towards modernisation, Apaches have the latest technology with high agility and survivability, said Dhanoa.
“It is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement. For the AH-64 E, this includes greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding,” the Press Trust of India quoted Boeing as saying.
Over the recent years, India has purchased multiple defence equipment including M777 Howitzers, P-81 aircraft for Indian Navy, C-17 Globemaster, Chinook heavy-lift transport choppers from the United States.
The two countries have also signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), for mutual logistics support.
