NEW DELHI: Production has commenced for a fleet of six Apache helicopters set to be delivered to the Indian Army by 2024. Boeing, operating from its Mesa facility in Arizona, USA, has initiated the manufacturing process for these advanced aircraft, ensuring their timely delivery in the upcoming year.

A collaborative effort between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), the Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) joint venture, formed in 2016, has achieved a significant milestone. Earlier this year, they successfully delivered the first fuselage of the AH-64 Apache, an advanced multi-mission helicopter, to the Indian Army from their sophisticated Hyderabad facility. With consistent delivery of AH-64 Apache fuselages since 2018, TBAL is poised to become the sole global producer of such fuselages, with a notable 90% of components sourced from Indian suppliers, as confirmed by Boeing representatives.

Expressing enthusiasm for this achievement, Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India, stated, "We are pleased to reach yet another significant milestone, highlighting Boeing’s unwavering commitment to support India’s defence capabilities. The advanced technology and proven performance of the AH-64 will enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and strengthen its defence capabilities."

Boeing, a prominent name in aerospace and defence, completed the delivery of 22 Indian Air Force E-model Apaches in the year 2020. Subsequently, a contract worth around $930 million was inked to manufacture six AH-64Es for the Indian Army. These highly anticipated Apache deliveries are anticipated to take place in 2024, as outlined by Boeing officials.

Undoubtedly considered the world’s premier attack helicopter, the AH-64E's unparalleled attack capabilities and survival attributes are noted by Christina Upah, Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programmes and Senior Executive at Boeing's Mesa site. She stated, "The AH-64E continues to be the world’s premier attack helicopter. The AH-64 provides customers with unparalleled lethality and survivability, and we are thrilled to provide those capabilities to the Indian Army."

Armed with a range of cutting-edge features, the upcoming six Apache helicopters will be equipped with Hellfire anti-armour and Stinger air-to-air missiles, alongside night vision sensors and GPS guidance, among other advanced facilities. This substantial enhancement to India's defence capabilities underscores the ongoing collaboration and innovation between Boeing and Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering national security.

Boeing Initiates Production of AH-64E Apaches for Indian Army

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