Big boost: Army receives final batch of 3 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters - see pics

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has taken transportation of the last 3 AH-64E Apache onslaught helicopters, completing the induction of each six craft contracted for the Army Aviation Corps.

The US Embassy successful India shared the associated connection updating the transportation of the helicopters.The US Embassy successful India shared the update successful a station connected X. Marking this determination arsenic a milestone successful the US-India defence partnership, it said, "Delivering connected the @POTUS and @PMOIndia associated statement, the accomplishment of the latest @boeing_in AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army @adgpi marks different measurement guardant successful the US-India Major Defence Partnership."

With the accomplishment of the past batch, the long-delayed transportation docket has formally concluded. The helicopters volition beryllium deployed aft assembly, associated inspections and completion of mandatory method and administrative procedures, the Army said. Once inducted, the fleet volition beryllium based successful Jodhpur.The transportation marks the extremity of a process that saw repeated timeline revisions. While the archetypal batch of Apaches was initially expected to get astir February oregon March this year, the helicopters reached India lone successful July.

Earlier projections had envisaged the commencement of deliveries successful 2023, which were subsequently deferred to 2024 earlier further delays pushed the timeline back.The completion of deliveries present enables the Army to operationalise its afloat Apache fleet, importantly enhancing its onslaught and reconnaissance capabilities.The induction follows assurances made astatine the highest governmental and defence levels and reflects the increasing strategical alignment betwixt New Delhi and Washington connected determination information and defence cooperation.The AH-64E Apache, 1 of the world’s astir precocious onslaught helicopters, is expected to importantly heighten the Indian army’s combat capabilities with its precision strike, surveillance, and battlefield absorption systems. Defence officials said the level would fortify operational readiness, peculiarly successful challenging terrain and high-threat environments.The accomplishment of the helicopters besides underscores the expanding scope of US–India defence ties, which present widen beyond procurement to see co-production, associated training, and exertion exchange. Officials from some sides person repeatedly highlighted defence collaboration arsenic a cardinal pillar of the broader strategical partnership.