IAF inducts eight US-made Apache helicopters

Indian Air Force on Tuesday inducted AH-64E Apache attack helicopters equipped with Longbow Hellfire missiles and fire control radar, augmenting the force's ability to strike and support the troops on the ground.

The first batch of eight gunships entered the service at a ceremony at Pathankot in the presence of IAF chief B S Dhanoa.

“Apache attack helicopters have been purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunition, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare,” Dhanoa said.

In September 2015, India signed Rs 10,000 crore plus ($ 1.4 billion) contract with the USA to buy 22 Apache helicopters in a government to government deal. They arrived at the Air Force Station, Hindan, towards July end in batches of four, over two days, and were subsequently transported to Pathankhot for induction.

The remaining 14 helicopters – all of them are to be deployed in the western sector - would be delivered by March 2020. India becomes the 16th nation to operate the Apache.

Apache is capable of delivering a variety of weapons such as air to ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air to air Stinger missiles. The choppers also carry one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds.

To add to the lethality of the helicopter, it carries fire control radar, which has a 360 degrees coverage and nose mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems. Only half of the fleet will have the Longbow radar.

The first eight Apaches were inducted into 125 Helicopter Squadron (The Gladiators). A second squadron would also be raised at Pathankot and a decision would be taken later where the unit would be shifted.

“The attack helicopters will enhance the IAF's capability to provide integrated combat aviation cover to the army strike corps. These tandem seating helicopters are day/night, all weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage. They are also easily maintainable even in field conditions and capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions,” the IAF said in a statement.

India is now in the process of buying six more Apache from the USA for the Army at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore ($930 million) through the government route.