New Delhi: (Defence News) India on Friday received the delivery of final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters. The military choppers were handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Air Force Station, Hindon. Boeing India thanked Indian Air Force announcing the completion of deliveries. "Thank you, @IAF_MCC, for your partnership. We're happy to have completed the deliveries of the 22 #AH64-E Apache and 15 #Chinook helicopters to India" Boeing India tweeted.
Earlier in March, Boeing handed over the last five of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook heavy-lift helicopters to the IAF, Boeing India said in a statement issued on Friday. "Customer centricity, commitment to the modernization and mission-readiness of India's defence forces are key values to our partnership with India," said Surendra Ahuja, managing director, Boeing Defence India. "With this delivery of military helicopters, we continue to nurture this partnership and are fully committed to working closely with India's defence forces to deliver the right value and capabilities to meet their operational needs," Ahuja added.
India is one of 17 nations to have the most advanced version of the Apache attack helicopter. The variant ordered by the IAF is also operational in the United States and many other nations. The AH-64E Apache is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture including the latest communications, navigation, sensor and weapon systems. It has an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides day, night and all-weather target information, as well as night vision navigation capability.
Amid ongoing tensions with China alongside LAC India has deployed Apache, Chinook deployed in the Eastern Ladakh region. Chinook has proved to be a great asset for IAF in terms of heavy transportation of men and material. Chinook ensured the quick deployment of the armed forces on the LAC last month.
India had finalized its order with Boeing for the production, training and support of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. Earlier this year, India and the U.S. signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apaches for the Indian Army during US President Donald Trump's visit to New Delhi.
Twenty defence forces around the world either have Chinooks in service or under contract to get them soon. The CH-47F(I) Chinook contains a modern machined airframe, a common avionics architecture system (CAAS) cockpit, and a digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS). Those innovations and technologies will help the Indian Air Force meet evolving mission demands, maximize interoperability, and reduce lifecycle costs.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial aeroplanes, defence, space and security systems, and global services. Boeing's advanced aircraft and services focus plays an important role in mission-readiness for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Boeing is focused on delivering value to Indian customers with advanced technologies and is committed to creating sustainable value in the Indian aerospace sector – developing local suppliers, and shaping academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions.
Boeing has strengthened its supply chain with 200 partners in India, and a JV to manufacture fuselages for Apache helicopters. Annual sourcing from India stands at $1 billion. Boeing currently employs 3,500 people in India, and more than 7,000 people work with its supply chain partners. Boeing's employee efforts and India country-wide engagement serve communities and citizenship programs to inspire change and make an impact on more than 150,000 lives.
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