On July 27, 2018, Boeing and India recently took a significant step toward modernizing the Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet by completing the first flights of Apache AH-64E attack helicopter and CH-47F Chinook transport helicopter destined for delivery next year. India will receive the most advanced versions of both the AH-64E Apache and the CH-47F Chinook. Indian industry partners such as Dynamatics is building large sections of Chinook, and the Tata Boeing joint venture in Hyderabad is building the complete fuselage of the Apache. In 2015, India ordered 22 Apache Guardian combat helicopters and 15 Chinook transport helicopters. The amount of the transaction was about $ 3 billion. In 2017, the Government of India agreed to purchase another batch of 6 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for a total of $ 654.6 million. Deliveries of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters to India begin in 2019.
The Apache will be the first pure attack helicopter in India’s possession. While the Russian origin Mi 35 has been operated for years and is now on the verge of retirement, it was an assault chopper that was designed to carry troops into heavily defended territories. Apache attack helicopters will a major role in Indian Army’s tank battles, especially on the western front with Pakistan. Fitted with air-to-air missiles, Apache helicopters are capable of detecting 256 moving targets and engaging them. Apache, a twin-engine helicopter is operated by two pilots. With its array of modern electronics, Apache is considered to be one of the most advanced combat helicopters. Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift platform, emphasising heavy-lift transport of troops, artillery, equipment, and fuel. It is the helicopter of choice for humanitarian disaster-relief operations, in missions such as transportation of relief supplies and mass evacuation of refugees.
