India receives first four AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters
The AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian of the Indian Air Force. Photo c/o Air International Online. |
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the first four Boeing AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters, which arrived at the IAF’s Hindon Air Force Station near New Delhi on 27 July 2019.
The helicopters will be assembled by Boeing technicians before ferrying the helicopters to Pathankot Air Force Station close to the Pakistani border where it will be formally accepted into service.
The IAF ordered 22 AH-64E (I) attack helicopters in 2015 under a combined Direct Commercial Sales and US Foreign Military Sales programs worth US$2.02 billion deal, to equip two squadrons of 10 helicopters each. While one squadron will assigned near the Pakistani border, the other squadron will be located near India’s border with China. The other 2 helicopters will be held as reserves in case of accidents or combat losses.
Another four units are expected to arrive in India by 3 August 2019, while the rest of the order are expected to be delivered by 2020.
The Apache Guardians will replace older Soviet-era Mil Mi-25 and Mi-35 combat helicopters in IAF service.
[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Economic Times – India Times
[3] The Diplomat
India receives first four AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopters
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July 30, 2019
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