Apache Guardian chopper. (Source: Twitter) Apache Guardian chopper. (Source: Twitter)

In a significant boost to the capabilities of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Saturday formally received the first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at Boeing production facility in Arizona’s Mesa, US. According to a statement released by the Press Information Bureau, India was represented by Air Marshal AS Butola who accepted the first chopper in a ceremony held at the production facility, in the presence of representatives of the US government.

The first batch of the AH-64E Apache attack choppers is scheduled to be shipped by July this year. IAF had signed a contract with the US government and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 such attack choppers.

#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

The statement further stated that the helicopter has been customised to suit the IAF’s requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground.

Read | What the Apache attack chopper, IAF’s new acquisition, means for India

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

In a significant boost to the capabilities of the Indian armed forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally received the first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at Boeing production facility in Arizona’s Mesa, US. (Video: Boeing) Read more: https://t.co/7b1rGYy8dY pic.twitter.com/QQlPzuBKKY — The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) May 11, 2019

Selected aircrew and ground crew underwent training at the US Army training facilities in Fort Rucker, Alabama, they will be leading the operations of the Apache fleet in India.

According to a PTI report, the defence ministry has additionally approved the procurement of six AH-64E Apache helicopters, armaments, and associated equipment from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army.

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