New Delhi: American aviation major Boeing Wednesday began the production of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army, the first of which will be delivered early next year. 

It was in 2020 that the Army went in for the procurement of the Apache helicopters, 22 of which are already in use with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Boeing issued a statement Wednesday, saying that the production of the helicopters for the Army has begun at its plant in Mesa, Arizona. 

“We are pleased to reach yet another significant milestone, highlighting Boeing’s unwavering commitment to support India’s defence capabilities,” said Boeing India president Salil Gupte. 

The advanced technology and proven performance of the AH-64, it added, will enhance the Army’s operational readiness.

“The AH-64E continues to be the world’s premier attack helicopter,” said Christina Upah, a senior Boeing executive at its Mesa site and vice-president of attack helicopter programs. 

The Apache helicopter is one of the deadliest attack helicopters and comes equipped with a cannon, rockets and missiles. 

Until recently, this was the only pure attack helicopter in India’s possession. Now the forces are equipped with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-made Light Combat Helicopter Prachand. Both these helicopters are two-seaters. 

The IAF, however, operated Mi-35 helicopters, classified as ‘assault’ choppers. The Mi-35s were designed to carry troops into heavily-defended territories.

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Attack helicopters

Attack helicopters are used to provide direct close air support for ground troops and can perform anti-tank operations. 

It was in 2015 that the IAF went in for the procurement of 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters at a cost of $2.1 billion, or Rs 14,910 crore. Their delivery was completed in 2020.

The same year, the Army went in for the procurement of six of these at a cost Rs 6,600 crore.

As reported by ThePrint, the deal for the Army came after a fight with the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the UPA government.

While the Army was of the view that the attack choppers should go to them, the IAF did not want to lose its traditional position providing the integrated combat aviation cover to the Army’s Strike Corps.

Former IAF chief N.A.K. Browne had even said that he could not allow “little air forces doing things of their own”.

To buy peace between the warring services, it was decided by the then UPA government that while the IAF would get the first 22 helicopters, the future purchases will go to the Army. 

(Edited by Sunanda Ranjan)

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