The Indian Air Force has inducted 8 Apache helicopters at the Pathankot airbase. The eight fresh US-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters will give a major boost to the Air Force’s combat powers.

Air Force chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was the chief guest at the ceremony at Pathankot airbase. India is the 14th nation in the world to be operating the Apache attack helicopters. The AH-64E Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters and is flown by the US Army.

The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first four of the 22 helicopters was handed over to the air force by Boeing on July 27.

Boeing has delivered more than 2,200 Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production and India is the 14th nation to select it for its military.