New Delhi: Aiming to keep Indian Army combat ready in all situations, India will sign a pact with the US for acquisition of six Apache combat helicopters next month.
“We will sign the deal in January 2020 for procurement of Apache choppers. It will be inducted into Army in 2022,” a top Indian Army official said.
In 2017, the Defence Ministry had given approval for the purchase of six US-based Boeing made Apache AH-64E multi-role attack helicopters valued at Rs 4,168 crore for the army. The cost includes associated equipment, training, weapons, and spares.
In 2015, India had signed an agreement to buy 22 Apaches and 15 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters worth $3 billion for the Indian Air Force under a government-to-government deal with the US.
The choppers have been used in conflicts in the Gulf, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Apache 64E, also known as Apache Guardian, is the most technologically advanced and lethal Attack Helicopter in the world. It is basically the upgraded version of the Apache 64D-Block III.
Other improvements include more powerful engines, upgraded transmission system to accommodate additional power, improved digital connectivity, advanced sensors and avionics for unhindered night operations, improved landing gear and new composite blades.
These important upgrades have led to increased speeds, climb rates and greater payload carriage capacity.
On the eve of 22nd round of border talks between India and China, Indian Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat said, “Post Wuhan, the strategic guidance from the highest level and understanding of the nuisances of the working mechanism at the functional level has enabled management of challenges along the Line of Actual Control.”
It will be the first interaction between special representatives of the two countries since an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Chennai earlier this year.
The Indian delegation will be led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the Chinese side by Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The India-China border dispute covers 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, which India vehemently opposes.
