AMN /
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, CCS today cleared a multi-billion dollar deal for 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing. Sources said, the deal for was cleared by the CCS which met after the Cabinet meeting.
The deal for Apache is a hybrid one, with one contract to be signed with Boeing for the helicopter and the other with the US government for its weapons, radars and electronic warfare suites. The US has been pushing for this contract as it will further bolster American presence in the growing defence market of India.
The 22 Apache AH 64D Longbow helicopters are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, featuring all-weather and night fighting features, ability to track upto 128 targets in less than a minute and engage with 16, besides stealth characteristics, advanced sensors and beyond visual range missiles. India will also be acquiring Hellfire missiles and rockets.