Indian air force gets Apache boost from US

ANKARA

Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat capability got a boost on Tuesday with the induction of eight U.S.-made attack helicopters.

The Apache AH-64E, one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, were delivered at the Pathankot Air station, news agency Press Trust of India reported.

India is scheduled to receive a total of 22 Apache helicopters from Boeing Ltd. after IAF had signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the U.S. government in September 2015.

The first four of the 22 helicopters were handed over to the air force on July 27 as the remaining helicopters are expected to be delivered by 2020.

IAF Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa told the induction ceremony: “It is one of the most fierce attack helicopters in the world. It is capable of performing many missions. Today with the induction of Apache AH-64E, the Indian Air Force has upgraded its inventory to the latest generation of attack helicopters.”

India has now become the 16th nation in the world to use the Apache attack helicopters.