NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force on Tuesday inducted eight Apache attack helicopters acquired from the US at one of its forward airbases – Pathankot in Punjab.
“It’s a ceremonial induction of the aircraft into IAF. As of now, we’ve eight aircraft. Twenty-two aircraft will come in phased manner and all will be inducted into IAF. We had attack helicopters earlier, but this aircraft brings in lethal firepower with great accuracy, “saidIAFPRO, Anupam Banerjee. Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest on this occasion.
The flying machine has been customized to cater the requirements of Indian armed forces.
“Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and ammunition, it has modern electronic warfare ( EW) capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare, ”Dhanoa added.
One of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world,Apache AH – 64 Eis flown by the US army. It is the second major induction by the IAF within five months. IAF had inducted the advanced heavy-lift Chinook helicopters at the Chandigarh airbase in March.
Apache helicopteris capable of delivering variety of weapons which includes air to ground hellfire missiles, 70 MM Hydra rockets and air to air stinger missiles. Apache also carries one 30 MM chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of area weapon sub system. To add the lethality of the helicopter, it carries fire control radar which has 360 degree coverage and nose mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.
According to IAF officials, the Apache choppers would replace the old Russia-made Mi – 35 attack helicopters. Mi – 35 helicopters are serving in the IAF for the past around four decades and have almost lived its life.
Manufactured by aerospace giant Boeing, initially only four helicopters would be inducted into the IAF. The first batch of these four helicopters was delivered by Boeing in July this year at Hindon airbase. The IAF pilots have already undergone training in US to fly these attack helicopters.
According to IAF officials, the Apaches would replace the old Russia-made Mi – 35 attack helicopters. Mi – 35 helicopters are serving in the IAF for the past around four decades and have almost lived its life.
Manufactured by aerospace giant Boeing, initially only four helicopters would be inducted into the IAF. The first batch of these four helicopters was delivered by Boeing in July this year at Hindon airbase. The IAF pilots have already undergone training in US to fly these attack helicopters.
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In Video:IAF inducts 8 Apache AH – 64 E attack helicopters acquired from the US
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