APACHE HELICOPTER

About: 

• Timeline: 
  • The IAF will induct 22 Apaches by March 2020 under the Rs 13,952 crore deal inked with the US in 2015. 
    
    
  • The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. 
    
    
  
  
  
• Features:
  • AH-64E Apache is one of the leading multi-role attack helicopters globally and is flown by the US Army.
    
    
  • The Apaches are armed with stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns and rockets. Its features include joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision-aiding.
    
    
  
  
  
• Significance: The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.