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Indian Air Force receives final batch of Apache helicopters

Indian Air Force Apache helicopter
Photo: Boeing

The Indian Air Force has taken delivery of the final batch of five AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing.

With a handover at Hindan Air Force Station, the Indian Air Force’s Apache fleet now counts 22 helicopters. What is more, the country took delivery of the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in March this year.

The Indian defense ministry finalized its order with Boeing for the production, training and support of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier this year, India and the US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US president Donald Trump’s visit to New Delhi.

India is one of 17 nations to operate the AH-64E Apache. The helicopter is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability. In addition to classifying air and ground targets, the Fire Control Radar has been updated to operate in the maritime environment.

Boeing’s joint venture in Hyderabad, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), has been producing aero-structures for the AH-64 Apache helicopter for both US Army and international customers.