New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) was formally handed over its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at Boeing production facility Arizona, USA on Friday. Air Marshal AS Butola represented the IAF and accepted the first Apache in the ceremony. These helicopters will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces.

The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. 

Pay just Rs 330 per year and get Rs 2 lakh cover under this scheme

According to the information shared by IAF, the addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAF’s helicopter fleet and it has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements. It would have significant capability in mountainous terrain.

In a statement IAF said, "Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. This personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF.”

2 women beaten by frenzy mob for rescuing a 17-year-old girl from marriage

The AH-64E Apache is a leading multi-role attack helicopter and is flown by the US Army

IAF said, "The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground.”