Senior Army officials informed India Today on Monday that the first batch of US-manufactured Apache attack helicopters is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army in February-March this year.
Commonly referred to as 'tanks in the air,' these highly advanced attack helicopters are slated to land at the Hindon Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force (IAF) before being strategically deployed in Jodhpur, situated in proximity to the India-Pakistan border, as per the officials.
The Army Aviation Corps, presently operating utility helicopters like the Dhruv and Chetak, had previously welcomed the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand at Missamari, Assam, in the preceding year.
It is noteworthy that the IAF already boasts a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, actively deployed on both the eastern and western fronts.
Regarding Apache helicopters, developed by the prominent US aviation company Boeing, they stand out as sophisticated multi-mission helicopters, integrating cutting-edge technology to maintain their status as among the world's best attack helicopters.
Distinguished by its exceptional capabilities for various mission requirements, such as heightened thrust and lift, joint digital operability, enhanced survivability, and cognitive decision-aiding, the Apache helicopter is the sole combat helicopter offering this broad spectrum.
Capable of executing precision attacks from standoff ranges and operating in hostile airspace confronted with ground threats, these helicopters excel in transmitting and receiving battlefield information to and from weapon systems through data networking, elevating their lethality. In future joint operations supporting land forces, these attack helicopters are anticipated to confer a significant advantage.
