Induction of Apache Helicopter | 04 Sep 2019

Recently, Indian Air Force has formally inducted the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter into its inventory at Air Force Station Pathankot.

AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

  • Better known as an attack helicopter are received from the Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA.
  • Apache will replace Russian origin MI-35 helicopters that are on the verge of retirement.
  • These are all-weather capable, easily maintainable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage.
  • The capabilities of the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter includes:
    • It can carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground.
    • It can transmit and receive battlefield picture through data uplinking and networking.
    • It can also shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets while providing versatility to helicopter in network-centric aerial warfare.
    • It also carries fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.
  • The addition of Apache Attack Helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force helicopter fleet.

Source: PIB