Indian Air Force (IAF)’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing in a Hoshiyarpur village Punjab province on 17 April after developing a technical fault. IAF statement says the Apache experienced a critical failure after an hour of flight. There was no loss of life or property. India’s AH-64Es are attached to the Indian Air Force 125 Helicopter Squadron, known as “The Gladiators” at Pathankot Air Force Station.
In April 2013, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that the IAF would receive the 22 AH-64s. India ordered the 22 AH-64Es in 2015 with deliveries to begin in 2019. On 12 June 2018, the U.S. Department of State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for an additional six AH-64E helicopters, armaments, and associated equipment in a deal worth an estimated $930 million. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress for approval.
On 11 May 2019, India officially received its first AH-64E Apache Guardian in a ceremony at Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona production facility. On 27 July 2019, India received its first four AH-64Es of 22 on order. On 3 September 2019, India inducted 8 AH-64Es into the IAF’s 125 Helicopter Squadron at Pathankot Air Base, Punjab. In February 2020, another six helicopters were ordered under a Foreign Military Sale including weapons, equipment, and training.
An IAF AH-64E Apache made an emergency landing in a field in Hoshiarpur, Punjab a short while ago. Had taken off from home base Pathankot. Crew and chopper safe. We’ll have more updates shortly. pic.twitter.com/V2TE5qEcVY
— Livefist (@livefist) April 17, 2020
