India to Induct Apache Gunships on Sept 3

India will induct AH-64E Apache attack helicopters on Tuesday, 3 September.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) formally received the first of 22 ordered AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter at Boeing’s facility in Arizona, United States.

The agreement worth $2 billion (INR 13,952 crore) for the choppers was signed between the two parties in September 2015. Deliveries of all the aircraft are scheduled to be completed in 2020.

Indian defense ministry has reportedly approved the procurement of six additional AH-64E Apache helicopters, armaments, and associated equipment from Boeing at a cost of INR 4,168 crore ($596 million) for the Army.

The AH-64Es, also known as Apaches, are helicopters that can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. They have four blades and are rotary-winged.