Apache attack helicopters to be inducted into IAF at Pathankot on 3 September

  1. Union Defence Minister and Punjab Chief Minister will jointly induct four US-made Apache AH-64E (I) helicopters into the Indian Air Force at Pathankot on 3rd September.
  2. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army.
  3. The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.
  4. Further, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers.
  5. The IAF currently operates Soviet-origin Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopter gunships.
  6. The Apache choppers will be the second US-built helicopters to join the air force fleet. IAF inducted Boeing CH-47F (I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters in March 2019