The Indian Army has taken a major step towards enhancing its fighting prowess, getting the first supply of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters delivered by American aerospace conglomerate Boeing. The shipment, finally received in Hindon airbase on Tuesday, following a 16-month delay in delivery because of constant supply chain backlog that affected the worldwide aerospace production schedules, was transported on an An-124 heavy transport aircraft.
The helicopters are an addition to a 4,100 crore order that was sealed in 2020, targeting six Apaches to increase the offensive and anti-harm capabilities of the army. The officials state that three additional helicopters would be delivered by year’s end.
Terming the event as a milestone moment, the Army intends to formally induct the helicopters at the 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Nagtalao near Jodhpur. This squadron was established in March 2024 and has been specifically trained to operate and maintain the Apaches and is fully ready to go operationally.
The AH-64E Apache can have advanced weaponry installed in it, such as fire-and-forget Hellfire rounds, which provide it with excellent anti-armour capabilities. The helicopter is able to track 128 targets within a minute and sets priorities on threats, and is a deadly capability that is added to the Indian combat fleet.
In August 2023, Boeing commenced producing these helicopters for the Indian Army in its Mesa plant in Arizona. This landmark came along after Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) produced the first fuselage of a Boeing Apache at its Hyderabad plant, to which Boeing acquired the fuselage, marking the success of their defence partnership venture between India and the US.
The Apache helicopters will give an upper hand in terms of classic strike to the aviation arm of the Army in addition to its indigenous fleet of HAL Rudra and LCH Prachand helicopters, and be the force multiplier in relation to combat actions that the Army is likely to engage in case of any conflict within India which wears a vast and rugged topography.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News