India has signed a contract with Boeing to purchase 15 Chinook heavylift helicopters and 22 Apache attack helicopters. The deals will ensure that the U.S. remains among the top military suppliers for the Indian armed forces for some years to come. It will also help in further advancing the nascent efforts by the Indian private sector to create an aerospace industrial base in India.

The purchase of Apache multi-role combat helicopters had two components — a foreign military sales (FMS) agreement between the two governments and a direct commercial sale deal with Boeing. In the case of Chinook — heavy-lift helicopter with tandem rotor — the deal is a direct commercial deal that would be signed between Boeing and Indian side.

According to the contract signed, Boeing will start delivering the Chinook and Apache helicopters 36 months from today (September 28). The entire delivery is to be completed in 48 months from the signing of the contract. Both helicopters will be delivered in fly-away condition, i.e. fully-built and ready for operations. Since Boeing is committed to a 30 per cent offset liability, there may be some portions that are built in India. Already, Indian companies are involved in the building of the Chinook. Bangalore-based Dynamatics Technologies builds the aft pylon and cargo ramps for the Chinook’s global supply chain.

APACHE

• The Apache AH-64E is the world’s most fearsome attack helicopters.
• It is armed with anti-tank missiles, rockets and a chain gun that fires 625 rounds per minute that can rip apart and armoured vehicles.
• The Apache has flown close to a million mission hours in conflicts from the First Gulf War in 1991 to Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Chinook

• The Chinook, which first flew in the Vietnam War, but has continuously evolved in design, is one of the world’s most well-reputed heavy lift helicopters.
• It is capable of underslinging and lifting a light 155 millimetre howitzer to support troops in high altitudes of up to 15,000 feet.