Defence Ministry clears proposal to procure 6 Apache attack helicopters for Army

The Union Defence Ministry has cleared a proposal to procure six AH-64-E Apache attack helicopters along with weapons systems from American aerospace giant Boeing for the Indian Army.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting chaired by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.  DAC is Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement.

Decision taken by DAC

AH-64-E Apache attack helicopters: The six will come along with associated equipment, spares and weapons system. It will be a follow on order to the deal India had signed in September 2015 with Boeing and the US government for 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers.
The AH-64-E Apache choppers are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons systems and night-fighting features. Till now, Indian Army was not having its own fleet attack helicopter.  Army was using the fleet of Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters with the help Indian Air Force.
Purchasing gas turbines: DAC also cleared another proposal for buying gas turbines from Ukraine for two Admiral Grigorovich class ships being made in Russia for India.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2017