Boeing handed over the first Apache Guardian attack helicopter to the IAF

On friday, The Indian Air Force (IAF) has got their first Apache Guardian attack helicopter. Boeing handed over the attack helicopter to the IAF at the Boeing Production facility located in Mesa, Arizona, USA.

IAF Spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee said, "The first AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian attack helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, the US on May 10".

In September 2015, IAF had signed a contract with US Government an Boeing Ltd for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of the helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year.

"The addition of AH-64E (I) Apache helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of the force's chopper fleet. The helicopter has been customised to suit IAF's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain", senior IAF officials said.

"Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground", the IAF said in a statement.