Tata-Boeing Begins Production of Apache Helicopters For Indian Army
Boeing, an American aerospace company, has started producing Apache helicopters for the Indian Army. The Apache is a highly advanced combat helicopter used by the US Army.
Six AH-64E Apaches will be delivered to the Indian Army by 2024. The production is taking place at Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Earlier this year, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited successfully delivered the Indian Army’s first Apache fuselage from its facility in Hyderabad.
The President of Boeing India, Salil Gupte, expressed his delight at achieving this milestone and emphasized the advanced technology and performance that the Apache helicopters will bring to enhance the Indian Army’s defense capabilities.
The Indian Air Force had previously signed an agreement with Boeing in 2015 to procure 22 Apache helicopters. In 2017, the Defense Ministry sanctioned the acquisition of six Apache helicopters for the Army.
The AH-64E Apache is the latest version of the Apache AH-64A, which was delivered to India in 1984. The company has delivered more than 2,700 Apache attack helicopters.
Boeing stated that there are currently over 1,280 Apaches in operation worldwide, accumulating over 5 million flight hours, including 1.3 million flight hours in combat.
Boeing highlighted the lethality and survivability features of the Apache, making it a valuable addition to the Indian Army’s capabilities.
The delivery of the Apache helicopters is part of India’s drive for self-reliance in the defense manufacturing sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the nation’s largest helicopter production facility earlier this year, which will produce various types of helicopters in the coming years.
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The Apache helicopters are not only used by the Indian Army & US army but also by several other countries, including Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
