US aerospace major Boeing has handed over first of the 22 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force, nearly three-and-half years after a multi-billion dollar deal for the choppers was sealed. Senior IAF officials said the addition of AH-64E (I) Apache helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of the force’s chopper fleet. The helicopter has been customised to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain, they said. The AH-64E Apache is a leading multi-role attack helicopter and is flown by the US Army. “These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces,” the IAF added.

Source: Hindustan Times May 11, 2019 05:26 UTC