Boeing India, on 19th January, announced that its joint venture with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited has successfully produced the first fuselage for the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter that the Indian Army will use. According to a tweet posted by the company, the completion of the helicopter’s final integration is underway.
The Indian Ministry of Defense agreed with Boeing in September 2015 for the latter company to produce, train, and provide support for a total of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters. These helicopters were delivered in the year 2020. A contract between the United States and India to purchase six Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army was inked in New Delhi in 2020 while President Donald Trump was on a state visit to India.
India is one of 17 countries that have decided to go with the Apache, and it has ordered the most advanced variant, the AH-64E Apache, which is also used by the United States of America and a great number of other countries. The Apache AH-64E is designed, manufactured, and furnished with the most cutting-edge communications, navigation, sensor, and armament systems and open system architecture. It is equipped with an improved Modernized Target Acquisition Designation System that provides information on the day, night, and all-weather targets. Additionally, it can navigate in the dark using night vision. The Fire Control Radar has been upgraded to the point that it can now operate in maritime conditions, in addition to its previous capabilities of classifying air and ground targets. It is ideally adapted to handle the needs of a commander, including surveillance, security, peacekeeping operations, and lethal attack, in a range of different scenarios – without requiring reconfiguration.
Boeing’s joint venture in Hyderabad, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), has been constructing AH-64 Apache aerostructures for both the US Army and international customers. The creation of TBAL represents a significant step forward in India’s efforts to co-develop integrated aerospace and defence technologies. The Chinook helicopters are equipped with essential systems and components that Tata Advanced Systems and Dynamic Technologies manufacture. These include the tailcone and crown assembly in particular. Boeing works with roughly 200 different suppliers and partners in India.
