In preparation for the delivery of six Apache attack helicopters from the US starting in May, the Indian Army has established a squadron for these heavy-duty choppers at Jodhpur along the western front with Pakistan.

Indian Army Raises First Apache Squadron At Jodhpur

In preparation for the delivery of six Apache attack helicopters from the US starting in May, the Indian Army has established a squadron for these heavy-duty choppers at Jodhpur along the western front with Pakistan. The squadron was raised in the presence of Army Aviation’s director general Lt-General Ajay Suri and other officials. According to an officer, the delivery, initially scheduled to begin in February, has been slightly delayed, with the first three Apaches now expected in May.

The IAF has already inducted 22 Boeing-manufactured Apache helicopters under a Rs 13,952 crore deal signed with the US in September 2015. The Army, under a separate Rs 5,691 crore deal inked in February 2020, will receive six choppers. Also known as the ‘tanks in the air’, these advanced attack helicopters will land at the IAF Hindon Air Force Station and then will be deployed in Jodhpur in May, near the India-Pakistan border, the officials added.

The Army Aviation Corps, which currently operates utility helicopters such as the Dhruv and Chetak, earlier inducted the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand at Missamari, Assam last year.

Boeing AH-64 Apache

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help acquire targets and provide night vision.

Manufacturers: Boeing Co, McDonnell Douglas

Engine type: Turboshaft

Top speed: 293 km/h

Range: 476 km

Number of seats: 2

Weight: 5,165 kg