Indian Air Force gets first Apache Guardian attack helicopter

The Indian Air Force has received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at its production facility in Arizona, in the US Friday. Air Marshal AS Butola, represented the IAF and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility.

India has signed a contract with the US, for 22 Apache choppers. The first batch of the Apache helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. 

According to the Indian Air Force, selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. The trained personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF.

The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAF’s helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain, the Indian Air Force said.

#ApacheInduction: First AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the IAF at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA on 10 May 19. Air Mshl AS Butola, represented the IAF & accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. pic.twitter.com/FzA0IfRine

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019

Apache helicopters are empowered to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive the battlefield picture to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition.

Apache attack helicopters will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces.