The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday inducted eight US-made Apache AH-64E helicopters at the Pathankot air base, in a major boost to the Air Force’s combat capabilities.
“#NewInduction: Glimpses of AH-64E Apache attack helicopter’s maiden flight at AFS Hindan. The helicopter is planned to be inducted into the IAF on 03 Sep 19 at AFS Pathankot,” Indian Air Force had tweeted with a video of the chopper.
The aircraft were formally inducted at a ceremony at Pathankot Air Force station with Air Force Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa as the chief guest.
“It is one of the most fierce attack helicopters in the world. It is capable of performing numerous missions. Today with the induction of Apache AH-64E, the IAF has upgraded its inventory to the latest generation of attack helicopters,” Air Force chief BS Dhanoa said.
In 2015, IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with US government and Boeing for the supply of 22 Apache helicopters.
The ability of these choppers, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking.
