India: IAF to induct US-made Apache helicopters.

The Indian Air Force  (IAF) is preparing to induct US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, with the first batch of four helicopters arriving in the country in July, two IAF officials said.

An AH-64 Apache from the US Army (Picture source: US Army)

India had signed a $ 1.1billion deal with Boeing in 2015 for 22 Apaches. The first batch of helicopters will be based at the Pathankot air base, according to the official. The helicopters will be split into two squadrons, with the second one to be based in Jorhat.

Currently, the IAF operates Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopter gunships. Boeing is likely to deliver all the 22 helicopters through 2020.