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Army to Get 6 Apache Attack Helicopters in Deal Worth Rs 4,168 Crore

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On August 17, 2017, India’s Defence acquisition council (DAC) gave the green light to a proposal to buy six Apache AH64E attack helicopters for the army from the United States. The approval was given at a meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley.

More information about Apache Helicopters Deal:

  • The six Apache AH64E attack helicopters along with weapons systems from American giant Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore will be Indian Army’s first fleet of attack choppers.
  • It will be a follow on order to the deal India had signed with Boeing and the US government for 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers in September 2015.
  • After the government finalised the deal for 22 Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force, the Army had been pushing for follow on orders of 11 choppers for it, arguing that the ground forces need them considering the changing security scenario in the region.
  • Army sources said the attack helicopters, which are expected to be delivered by 2020, will significantly enhance armoured division and will strengthen the Army’s capability to carry out combat operations in border areas.
  • Defence Acquisition Council, has also cleared a proposal to procure two gas turbine engines from Ukraine at a cost of Rs 490 crore for two ships which are being built for the Indian Navy by Russia.

About Apache Attack Helicopters:

  • Apache Attack Helicopters are known as one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons systems and night-fighting features.
  • Armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, the Apache can track up to 128 targets a minute and prioritise threats.
  • The missiles equip the gunships with heavy anti-armour capabilities.