Indian Army to get six multi-role combat Apache helicopters with night-fighting features

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved the procurement of six US-made Apache-64E helicopters at a cost of Rs. 4,168 crore for the Indian Army.

The Defence Ministry stated, "The Indian Army would be provided with 6 Apache choppers, costing Rs 4,186 crores".

The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, gave the green light to the procurement of attack helicopters. The move came amid the demands raised from the defence quarters to upgrade the incumbent arsenal of the Indian Air Force.

The six 'AH-64-E' helicopters will come along with associated equipment, spares and weapons system.

The AH-64-E choppers are known as one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons systems and night-fighting features.

The combat choppers were part of Army's wish list over a period of time, with the initial pitch for procurement made back in 2015. The contract signed three years ago included the order of 22 Apache helicopters, along with 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers in 2015. The deal was inked at 3.1 billion dollars.

After the government, finalised the deal for 22 Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force, the Army had been pushing for follow on orders of 11 choppers for it, arguing that the ground forces need them considering the changing security scenario in the region.

However, the IAF as not in favour of the Army's proposal. Till now, the Army does not have any attack helicopter.

The Rs. 4,168 crore deal will also include cost of weapons, ammunition, spares and associated equipment and training.