Game Changers

The Apache will act as a tremendous force-multiplier and the Chinook has a history of high serviceability and would add significant airlift capability to the IAF.

- Air Marshal Anil Chopra

IN A MAJOR BOOST TO ITS TACTICAL OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first eight of the most advanced multi-role attack helicopter, Apache AH-64 E(I) into 125 Helicopter Squadron on September 3, 2019, at Air Force Station, Pathankot. All 22 Boeing-built Apache will arrive by 2020. The second squadron will be based at Air Force Station Jorhat in Assam. They will replace the obsolete Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters. “Alongside the capability to shoot fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets, and other ammunition, it also has modern EW (electronic warfare) capabilities to provide versatility to the helicopter in network-centric aerial warfare,” Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said at the induction ceremony. “These aircraft have been modified specifically to suit the exacting standards demanded by the IAF.” Selected air and ground crew have undergone training in the US.

On March 25, 2019, IAF formally inducted at Air Force Station Chandigarh, four of the 15 Boeing Chinook CH-47F(I) heavy-lift helicopters ordered. The first Chinook helicopter had earlier arrived by ship on February 10, 2019, at the Mundra port in Gujarat. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa hailed the induction, saying that it was a national asset and these will boost India’s security through increased vertical lift capability. The $1.5 billion Chinook contract included India specific enhancements. Eight helicopters have since arrived. The second unit of this heavy-lift platforms will be located at Dinjan (Assam). Chinook can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is eminently suited for operations in the Himalayas. It will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and HADR missions.

OPERATIONAL ROLES