US aerospace major Boeing on Saturday handed over the first four of the 22 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force while another batch of four choppers will be delivered next week.
The delivery of the first batch of the AH-64E Apachehelicopters to the IAF at the Hindan air base came nearly four years after amulti-billion dollar deal for the choppers was sealed.
Boeing said the first batch of the Apaches arrived in Indiaand an additional four choppers will be delivered to the IAF next week.
“The eight choppers will then move to the Pathankot AirForce station for their formal induction by the IAF, in September,” itsaid.
The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advancedmulti-role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army.
The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with theUS government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systemsfrom Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its firstfleet of attack choppers.