IN PICTURES | India receives its first Apache Guardian helicopter, here's how it will boost IAF's prowess

India received its Apache Guardian helicopter on Friday in Mesa, Arizona, USA from US Aerospace major Boeing . It was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility there. India will receive 21 more Apache helicopters.

During the event on Friday, Air Marshal AS Butola had represented the Indian Air Force and had accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. Several representatives from US Government were also present at the event

India had signed a contract with US Government and M/s Boeing Ltd for 22 Apache helicopters in September 2015.

The first batch of these helicopters are scheduled be shipped to India by July 2019. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF.

Here is how the Apache helicopters will boost the IAF's prowess:

As per the IAF's statement, the addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.

The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground, the statement added.

The ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces, the IAF statement said. 

It can also engage in steath attacks at air and ground targets using low-altitude obstacles like trees and hills as cover, said a report

Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 had approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers.  Fuselages for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad. 

See pictures of Apache helicopters below:

(With agency inputs)