The Aviation Corps of the Indian Army is still waiting for its Apache AH-64E attack helicopters. A fleet of six helicopters was to arrive from America, which has not arrived yet. The Indian Army was to receive these helicopters in batches of three. That too in May-June. But haven’t come yet. Therefore, the first Apache squadron could not be formed.
India had signed a deal with America for six Apache helicopters in February 2020 for 800 million dollars. That means around Rs 6716 crore. There has been a delay of three months in the arrival of the first batch. Defense Ministry and other sources have said that this delay is happening in America due to some technical reason. At present, it is not clear from the US side what will be the next date of their delivery.
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The Army was to form the first Apache squadron in Nagtalao, Jodhpur in May this year. The intention was to increase the security of the western border through this helicopter. But for now all this has gone in vain. These new helicopters are known for their strength, fire power, range, capability and advanced targeting system.
The Indian Air Force already has 22 Apache helicopters. Their deal was done separately in 2015. But the army needed these helicopters. Therefore, a separate deal for six helicopters was made for the army. So that the strength of the Army Aviation Corps can be increased.
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Let us know what other aircraft are there in the Army Aviation Corps…
1. Helicopters
Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv…
This is an indigenous multirole helicopter. Which is used in many types of missions. It is also used for transport, surveillance, search and rescue missions.
Rudra…
This is the attack version of the Advanced Light Helicopter. That means attack helicopter. Weapons have been installed in it for close air support. Also it can participate in anti-tank missions.
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Cheetah and Chetak
Both of these are light utility helicopters, which are used for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and logistics. Their deployment can usually be seen in Ladakh.
Light Combat Helicopter Prachanda…
This is a helicopter performing missions at high altitude. It can become a part of any kind of attack mission. So that it can support the ground troops.
2. Fixed-wing aircraft
Dornier 228… Light transport aircraft used for reconnaissance, logistics and communication duties.
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3. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Heron… Medium altitude and long endurance UAV, which is used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Searcher… Tactical drones so that surveillance and reconnaissance missions can be accomplished at short ranges.
4. Transport helicopters
Mi-17…
This is a medium lift helicopter. Which is used in transporting soldiers, logistics support and evacuation missions.
The Indian Army accomplishes many types of missions through these assets. Be it a battlefield or surveillance. From espionage to providing logistics support. Or rescue work in disaster.