IN PICTURES | India receives its first Apache Guardian helicopter, here's how it will boost IAF's prowess

India received its Apache Guardian helicopter on Friday in Mesa, Arizona, USA from US Aero major Boeing . It was formally handed over to Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility re. India will receive 21 more Apache helicopters.

During event on Friday, Air Marshal AS Butola h represented Indian Air Force and h accepted first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. Several representatives from US Government were also present at event

India h signed a contract with US Government and M/s Boeing Ltd for 22 Apache helicopters in September 2015.

first batch of se helicopters are scheduled be shipped to India by July 2019. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. se personnel will le operationalisation of Apache fleet in IAF.

Here is how Apache helicopters will boost IAF's prowess:

As per IAF's statement, dition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.

helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and would have significant capability in mountaius terrain. helicopter has capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile air with threats from ground, statement ded.

ability of se helicopters, to transmit and receive battlefield picture, to and from weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. se attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces, IAF statement said. 

It can also eng in steath attacks at air and ground targets using low-altitude obstacles like trees and hills as cover, said a report

ditionally, Defence Ministry in 2017 h approved procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers.  Fusels for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing Aero Limited, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata vanced Systems in Hyderab. 

See pictures of Apache helicopters below:

(With ncy inputs)