MOD gets 22 choppers, doesn’t explain purpose

Ministry of Defence has not even begun the process of acquiring 22 Apache Longbow helicopters from the US transnational, Boeing. However, knowledgeable sources say that the choppers have been chosen for the use of the Indian Army, but the ministry has not yet sent any communication to the American manufacturers about their intention to begin the commercial process of acquisition of the helicopters. The proposed deal to procure these helicopters has two parts. In the first part, the ministry will negotiate directly with Boeing for the choppers; and in the second part, the weapon suites for the aircrafts will be bought through a deal with the US government through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route.

Each of the Apaches will carry AGM 114 L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, AGM 114 R-3 Hellfire-II missiles, Stinger Block I-92 H missiles and AN/APG-78 fire-control radars.