Pathankot: Amid tensions on the outskirts, the Indian Air Force will deploy eight Apache helicopters at the Pathankot airbase on Tuesday. This decision has been taken in view of the strategic importance of the Pathankot airbase. This airbase is located close to the Pakistani border. Giving information about this, Air Force officials said that a launching ceremony will be organized for this, including Air Chief BS Dhanoa as the chief guest.
The AH-64E Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters. It is also used by the US military. A senior Indian Air Force official said that eight helicopters of the Apache attack are scheduled to be deployed at the Pathankot airbase. This will increase the combat capability of the Air Force.
The Air Force signed contracts with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first four of the 22 helicopters were handed over to the Air Force by Boeing on 27 July. The delivery of the first batch of Indian Air Force Apache helicopters at Hindon Air Base took place almost four years after the deal. Additionally, the Ministry of Defense approved the purchase of six Apache helicopters from Boeing for the Army at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore in the year 2017.
This will be its first fleet of helicopters. By 2020, the Indian Air Force will operate a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters. The chopper first delivery occurred ahead of schedule. The AH-64E Apache completed the first successful flight in July 2018 for the Indian Air Force. The first batch of the Indian Air Force began their training to fly Apache in the US in 2018.
