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Why Apaches for Army, ask critics
News:
- The U.S. State Department recently approved sale of six Apache helicopters to India for the Army.
Important facts:
- In 2015, The IAF procurement plan was approved .
- A Contract for 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopter and 15 Chinook heavylit helicopters singed with the U.S. and Beoing on sep 2015
- Delivery period: From July 2019 to March 2020.
- Under the present procurement plan, the IAF will operate 22 Apache attack helicopters, while the Army will have six of them.
- In August 2017, the government approved the procurement of six Apaches
- These Six Apaches will be operated by the Indian Army, which has long pitched for attack helicopters of its own.
- According to the Defence Security Cooperation Agency(DSCA), the deal would be worth $ 930 million.
- At present, Air Force operates all big helicopters, including Mi-35 attack choppers.
- These aircrafts can have a disproportionate firepower on enemy tanks on the ground.
- Presently, the Army operates only smaller Cheetah and ALH(Advanced Light Helicopters) that weigh less than five tonne.
