Army Prepares for Induction of Apache Next

The 22 Apache Longbow helicopters are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, featuring all-weather and night-fighting features.

The Indian Army is preparing itself for inducting attack helicopters, such as the AH-64E Apache from Boeing stable, in the future. The induction of the attack helicopter in the Indian Army's Aviation Corps will drastically change the composition of the fleet and expand its role like never.

As part of the preparation, the Indian Army is considering sending its pilots to train with the Air Force pilots on Apache helicopters. The Indian Air Force had signed up for 22 Apache helicopters for its fleet in September 2015 in Delhi. The IAF is readying to get the Apache helicopters in a couple of years. The Apache contract is a hybrid one, with the Indian government inking a deal with Boeing for the helicopter, while another agreement was signed with the US government for the weapons, including the Hellfire missiles, to be integrated on the Apache.

The September 2015 deal also includes a follow-on order clause under which India could obtain another 11 Apache helicopters for itself under the same price as the 22 Apaches it has signed up for. The 22 Apaches were worth close $2 billion. India could increase the Apache order soon as and when it decides to buy attack helicopter for the Indian Army, which could happen in the next five years.

But the Army is not just sitting pretty and waiting for signing up for the Apaches for its fleet. Envisioning that it could be operating these helicopters anyway, it has begun learning the Apache way of rotary wing operations. The Air Force's deal for Apaches also includes training as part of the contract.

India is the 14th nation to select the Apache. The Apache is the world's leading multi-role attack helicopter. The Apache, the most modern variant also flown by the US Army, features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.