Indian Air Force receives first Apache attack helicopter from Boeing

IAF officials say the addition of AH-64E (I) Apache helicopter modernises the force’s chopper fleet

US aerospace giant Boeing handed over first of the 22 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Hindustan Times reported on Saturday.

A multi-billion dollar deal was signed between the IAF, the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July.

According to senior IAF officials, the addition of AH-64E (I) Apache helicopter would help in modernising the force’s chopper fleet. The helicopter, they said, has been customised to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain.



“Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF,” the IAF said in a statement.

The first batch of the helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year.
Selected aircrew & ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama.
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— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019

In 2017, India's defence ministry approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing.