New Delhi: In a major boost to the air defence capabilities of the Army, India is set to receive the first consignment of modern Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States by next week, claimed reports. The first batch of these choppers are expected to reach India on July 21, reported NDTV.
These choppers will reportedly be deployed along the Pakistan border in the wake of rising tension after 'Operation Sindoor'. According to reports, the choppers will land at the Indian Air Force's (IAF's) Hindon Air Force Station.
It is expected that the remaining three units of the attack chopper will arrive by the end of this year. The first batch was expected to arrive in June last year. However, citing supply issues, the delivery was postponed to December. The deal to get six Apache choppers was signed between India and the US during Donald Trump's visit to New Delhi in 2020.
The three attack choppers will be delivered almost 15 months after Army Aviation Corps raised an 451 Army Aviation squadron at Jodhpur , which will operate Apache.
For the unversed, the IAF had already procured 22 Apache helicopters. These choppers were acquired under a deal with the US government and Boeing in 2015. The delivery was completed by July 2020.
AH-64 Apache attack chopper, also known as a 'tank in the air', is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for two crew members. These choppers are equipped with state-of-the-art systems. The helicopters have night vision navigation systems.
The Army Aviation Corps also signed a contract for 25 new Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) in March 2024.
