Army to get 3 Apache attack copters, Navy to induct Seahawks

NEW DELHI: In a boost to India’s rotary wing combat capabilities, the Army is set to get delivery of three remaining Apache AH-64 attack helicopters from US, while the Navy will commission its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk submarine-hunting choppers this week. The induction of these much-delayed American helicopters will plug existing operational gaps but the real punch will come when the Army and IAF begin getting 156 indigenous ‘Prachand’ light combat helicopters from 2028 onwards. Armed forces want over 1,000 new helicopters of different types in next 10-15 years to make up for major deficiencies and replace obsolete Cheetah and Chetak fleets. They include 484 light-utility helicopters in 3.5-tonne class and 419 Indian multi-role helicopters in 10-15 tonne class, but there hav