IAF Inducts 8 Apache Attack Helicopters at Pathankot Airbase, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa Attends Ceremony as Chief Guest; Watch Video
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday inducted eight Apache AH-64E attack helicopters. The ceremony took place at the Pathankot airbase. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa presided over the event. In 2015, the Indian government had signed a deal to procure 22 helicopters.
Pathankot, September 3: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday inducted eight Apache AH-64E attack helicopters. The ceremony took place at the Pathankot airbase. The newly inducted helicopters received water cannon salute. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest of the event. In 2015, the Indian government had signed a deal with the United States (US) and Boeing to procure 22 Apache helicopters. Speaking at the ceremony, the IAF chief said, " It is one of the most fierce attack helicopters in the world. It is capable of performing many missions." Indian Navy Likely to Acquire F/A-18 Fighter Jets From Boeing.
Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa further added, "Today with the induction of Apache AH-64E, the Indian Air Force has upgraded its inventory to the latest generation of attack helicopters." President of Boeing India Salil Gupte said that these helicopters are the AH-64E variant which are used by the US Army. India to Get First Batch of US-Built Chinook and Apache Helicopters in March. IAF to Receive First Rafale Jet From France on September 19, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Rajnath Singh to Attend Ceremony.
IAF Chief's Statement:
The choppers will inducted into the IAF in a phased manner. “It is a ceremonial induction of the aircraft into IAF. As of now, we have 8 aircraft. 22 aircraft will come in phased manner, and all will be inducted into the IAF. We had attack helicopters earlier, but this aircraft brings in lethal firepower with great accuracy,” reported India Today quoting IAF spokesperson Anupam Banerjee as saying. IAF to Install Modern Search And Rescue Equipment From Israel on Transport Aircraft.
Video of Apache Helicopters Receiving Water Cannon Salute:
On Monday, the IAF also tweeted a four-minute video of the chopper. The IAF in a tweet said, “#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.”
IAF's Tweet:
The helicopters landed at the Hindan airbase on July 28. The delivery of all the 22 machines will be completed by 2020. According to reports, the US aerospace company Boeing has delivered more than 2,200 Apache helicopters to its global customers till now. India is the 16th nation including Taiwan which have inducted Apache attack helicopters in service. The attack helicopters are customised for Indian requirements.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 03, 2019 11:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).