New Delhi: The first batch of the six Apache attack helicopters is expected to be delivered to the Army this month, after a long delay.
These attack helicopters, dubbed “tanks in the air”, are part of the Rs 5,691 crore deal inked with the US in February 2020. The multiple delays in the delivery of the choppers have been attributed to supply chain problems.
The first three Boeing-manufactured Apache gunships will be delivered around July 15, with the next three coming by November, reported the Times of India. The six Apache helicopters are in addition to the 22 such choppers inducted by IAF under the Rs 13,952 crore deal with the US in September 2015. One of those choppers was badly damaged after a hard landing near Khardung La in Ladakh on April 4 last year.
According to TOI, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth had assured Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that the six heavy-duty choppers will be delivered within this year.
The Apaches are armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns and rockets.
Spy Planes, Minesweepers In 1 Lakh Crore Defence Purchases
In another big development, the defence ministry on Thursday gave preliminary approval to three major acquisition projects and seven smaller ones that are collectively worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. These projects range from specialised spy aircraft and advanced minesweepers to quick-reaction air defence missiles and underwater autonomous vessels.
The “acceptance of necessity (AoN)” was granted for the indigenous construction of 12 mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) for around Rs 44,000 crore, TOI reported, quoting sources.
These specialised warships will be capable of detecting, tracking and destroying underwater mines laid by enemy forces to choke harbours and ports, disrupt shipping and maritime trade. QRSAMs designed to intercept hostile fighters
They are crucial amid the expanding maritime collusiveness between China and Pakistan.
The second big project is the new quick reaction surface to air missile (QRSAM) systems developed by DRDO.
The minister has authorised Rs 36,000 crore for the procurement of these highly-mobile QRSAMs, designed to intercept hostile fighters, helicopters and drones at ranges up to 30 km. These missile system will provide further boost to the country’s existing multi-layered air defence network that played a crucial role under Operation Sindoor in thwarting multiple waves of Turkish-origin drones and Chinese missiles launched by Pakistan during the May 7-10 hostilities.
The ministry has also approved Rs 10,000 crore for three ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance) planes, designed to identify and help target high-value enemy targets on the ground with greater precision and accuracy by fighter jets and missiles.
These aircraft will be equipped with synthetic aperture radars, electro-optical and infrared sensors, for gathering “actionable intelligence” in real-time on enemy infrastructure, build-ups and movements.
Another major project granted AoN was for semi-submersible autonomous vessels for ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) missions.