IAF Selects Boeing’s Apache Longbow for combat chopper

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has selected Boeing’s Apache Longbow advanced attack helicopter for its combat chopper tender. RIA Novosti news agency reported from Moscow yesterday that the other competitor, Russia’s Mi-28N Night Hunter, had lost the competition. It quoted an unnamed Indian defence ministry source as saying that the US helicopter showed better performance while the Russian machine did not meet the tender requirements. There was no confirmation here but well placed sources told India Strategic Defence magazine that IAF’s assessment report had been accepted. No details were given. IAF has a tender for 22 combat helicopters with no options. But more would be required and should be ordered once the first few machines are delivered. According to Lt Gen (retd) BS Pawar, a noted authority on combat helicopters, Apache is far more advanced than other attack helicopter worldwide. It has executed successful missions in Afghanistan.