Apache Helicopters New Base Pathankot

Apache AH-64, US Boeing made attack helicopters are ready to be stationed at Pathankot. Helicopters are set to arrive in mid-July and will be commissioned in IAF Pathankot air force station.

In September 2015, the deal had been signed between IAF and Boeing Company of supplying 22 Apache AH-64 attack helicopters.

since then its arrival is always in general talk among defence analysts. Especially, because of its capabilities and war cry.

American built twin-turboshaft with blades on posterior and a cockpit for a crew of two. It has on front tip sensors as well as high definition camera which helps the crew to engage any hostile on the ground. It is armed with a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun which makes him the world’s top-ranked in helicopter warfare.

So far US Boeing has supplied it to Greece, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.

IAF released tender in 2008 for 22 attack helicopters, for which 6 companies showed the interest of supplying it.

This list contains

Sikorsky’s UH-60 Black Hawk, the AH-64D, Bell’s AH-1 Super Cobra, Eurocopter’s Tiger, Mil’s Mi-28 and AgustaWestland’s A129 Mangusta.

Later in October both bell and Boeing withdrew

But 22 Apaches, India asked on December 2010 with pieces of equipment. IAF Chief NAK Browne made an official selection of Boeing AH-64. The IAF asked for 22 Apaches attack helicopters for air combat missions.

On the other hand, the army thought it would be more useful to them and many defence analysts also thought the same way. Moreover, the US army has also inducted them for their operations.

But later in April 2013, Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that the IAF would receive the 22 AH-64s.