Apache Helicopters Amid India-China Border Tussle

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APACHE

The helicopters are equipped with an advanced targeting system and can be part of all-weather combat operations with no restrictions on night flying. The Apaches have been carrying out night sorties in Ladakh to be fully prepared for any challenges in the ongoing tussle with China.
US Aerospace major Boeing delivered the final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force last month, and the fleet has now been part of the assets deployed in key airbases along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Boeing said it completed delivery of all 22 Apache and 15 Chinook military helicopters to the IAF and is fully committed to meet their operational needs of the Indian armed forces.
Boeing, in a statement on Friday, said that the final five of the 22 Apache attack helicopters were handed over to the IAF at the Hindon Air Force Station.
The helicopters called ‘flying tanks’ are a potent acquisition and multi-role in nature.

These helicopters, armed with anti-tank missiles, can operate in high mountain terrains.The first batch of eight helicopters was inducted in September last year.
The Indian Air Force had decided to have 22 helicopters spilt in two squadrons based in Pathankot, Punjab to combat threats from Pakistan and the other in Jorhat, Assam with an eye on China.
The helicopters are equipped with an advanced targeting system and can be part of all-weather combat operations with no restrictions on night flying. The Apaches have been carrying out night sorties in Ladakh to be fully prepared for any challenges in the ongoing tussle with China.

India is one of 17 nations to select the Apache and has the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache. The Apache helicopters have been modified according to the needs of the IAF.
India finalised a multi-billion dollar contract with Boeing to procure 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinooks for the IAF in September 2015.
India and US signed a contract for the acquisition of six Apache helicopters for Indian Army during US President Donald Trump’s visit to India.