The Indian Air Force, represented by Air Marshal A. S. Butola, received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter in a formal reception at the Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona.
The crew that will operate the new Apache fleet were trained at Fort Rucker in Alabama.
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. pic.twitter.com/prN3vjx4dH
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) 11 мая 2019 г.
9 May 2019, 19:50 GMT
The delivery comes as India is stepping up efforts to modernise its helicopter fleet. Earlier, India purchased a US-made Chinook transport helicopter from the company; the current deal on the delivery of 22 Apache helicopters was signed in 2015.
The AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian is an advanced military helicopter cable of attacking either air and ground targets, and utilising low-altitude obstacles such as trees and hills for stealth purposes.
