The Indian Air Force inducted eight US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters here on Tuesday (September 3), which will give a major boost to its combat capabilities.
Punjab: President Boeing India, Salil Gupte, handed over the ceremonial key of Apache attack helicopter to Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. #PathankotAirbase pic.twitter.com/zxtOu1WSvg
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
The newly-inducted Apache AH-64E are equipped with the latest technology and will enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF and the strike force, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Tuesday.
He was speaking at a ceremony held at the Pathankot Air Force station to induct the eight US-made helicopters into the India Air Force.
“Apache-64E attack helicopters will replace the ageing Mi-35 fleet. A total of 22 Apaches are to delivered and the last batch will be delivered by March 2020,” he said.
Dhanoa said these helicopters are equipped with latest technology and will be deployed in the western region.
“These attack helicopters will enhance the operation capabilities of the IAF and the strike force,” Dhanoa said. He also said the Apache induction is a “significant step” towards modernisation of the IAF fleet. Apaches are equipped with latest technology and are 24×7 all-weather capable with high agility and survivability, he said.
At the induction ceremony, president of Boeing India, Salil Gupte, handed over the ceremonial key of Apache attack helicopter to Dhanoa. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army.
#WATCH Punjab: The Apache chopper receives water cannon salute, before induction at the Pathankot Air Base. pic.twitter.com/YNT49rjr3B
— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2019
“It is one of the most fierce attack helicopters in the world. It is capable of performing many missions, today with the induction of Apache AH-64E, the Indian Air Force has upgraded its inventory to the latest generation of attack helicopters,” Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said.