On July 10, 2020, United States (US) based Aerospace Company Boeing, has delivered the last 5 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Air Force Station, Hindan, Uttar Pradesh.This final 5 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters were part of a deal that was signed by Indian Government & Boeing in the year 2015 to deliver 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters .
These Apaches were deployed at the Leh air base amid stand-off with China in Ladakh.
Note – Aero-structures of AH-64 Apache helicopter are produced by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL).
AH-64E Apache attack helicopters:
Features – AH-64E Apache is equipped with the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System
Utilization – The helicopter provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability.
CH-47F(I) Chinook Heavy-lift Helicopters:
The Chinook is a transport helicopter for carrying troops, artillery guns and other equipment.
Features – CH-47F(I) Chinook contains a modern machined airframe, a common avionics architecture system (CAAS) cockpit, and a digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS).
About the Deal:
In September 2015, India signed a $3 billion deal with Boeing for 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales programme of the U.S. government. (As of now, Boeing has delivered all the helicopters)
In March 2020, Boeing had delivered the last five of the 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF.
In February 2020, President of US Donald Trump visited India and the U.S. signed a deal for six additional Apaches for the Army.
About Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL):
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) is the Joint Venture (JV) of Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems.TBAL is established to co-produce Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter fuselages and other aerostructures, as well as to pursue integrated systems in aerospace.
It is the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages globally.
This JV is established in line with Make in India & Skill India Initiative.
Headquarter – Hyderabad, Telangana.
About Boeing:
Headquarter – Chicago, United States (U.S.)
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – David L. Calhoun (since Jan 2020)
