The formal induction took place at Air Force Station Pathankot. Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and Western Air Commander Air Marshal R Nambiar attended the induction ceremony, which took place at the Pathankot Air Force station.

At the ceremony, Boeing India President Salil Gupte handed over the ceremonial key of Apache attack helicopter to Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa.

Air Force Chief said Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet.

Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare.

IT IS AN ADVANCED MULTI-MISSION HELICOPTER: AIR CHIEF MARSHAL DHANOA

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said it is an advanced multi-mission helicopter being operated and has proved itself across the globe. He stressed that these helicopters have been modified specially for India.

Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide. These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by IAF. After being inducted, Air Chief B S Dhanoa and Air Marshal R Nambiar also inspected the Apache 64E choppers.

Before induction, Apache helicopters received water cannon salute. The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters.

The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the U.S. Army. India is the 14th country in the world to be operating the Apache attack helicopters.

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