Newly inducted Apache attack and Chinook heavy lift helicopters will make their debut at the flypast in the upcoming Republic Day parade at Rajpath to showcase the firepower of the Indian Air Force. Though the entire flypast comprises 41 aircraft, including 16 fighters, 10 transport aircraft and 19 helicopters, the main attraction will be Apache and Chinook, procured from Boeing of the US and inducted into service last year.
"The five Apache helicopters will be flying in arrowhead formations. And Chinook formation comprising three helicopters in vic formation," said group Captain A.R. Tamta, while giving out details of IAF's flypast for the Republic Day Parade. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will be the chief guest at India’s 71th Republic Day celebrations.
Dubbed 'flying tanks', Apache-AH-64E helicopters, fitted with air-to-air missiles, are capable of detecting 256 moving targets and engaging them. It is a twin-engine helicopter operated by two pilots. With its array of modern electronics, Apache is considered to be one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world. Currently, IAF has 17 Apache attack helicopters based in Pathankot air station.
The IAF had signed a deal to procure 22 Apaches from Boeing at a cost of Rs 13,952 crore in 2015. The Army is also in the process of finalising its contract for six Apaches for Rs 4,168 crore.
Apaches were involved in missions during the 1991 Gulf War between the US and Iraq, and then in Afghanistan. India is the 14th country to operate these attack helicopters. Apache is replacing the ageing Russian-made Mi25/Mi35.
The IAF has so far inducted 10 Chinook helicopters at its base in Chandigarh. The deal to procure 15 Chinooks were signed in 2015 at a cost of Rs 8,048 crore. The CH-47F (I) Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter that provide the Indian armed forces with unmatched strategic airlift capability across the full spectrum of combat and humanitarian missions.
IAF officials maintained that the acquisition of Chinook heavy-lift helicopter has given a significant boost to infrastructure development along the borders, as the helicopter has the capability to ferry heavy cargo like road construction equipment over difficult terrain.
Besides, Apache and Chinook, the IAF will parade a Rafale model in its Republic Day tableau. It will be the first time when a model of Rafale fighter jet with Indian tricolour will feature in the parade. Though the IAF has inducted the first four of the 36 Rafales ordered for €7.87 billion (Rs 59,000 crore), they are still in France for training IAF pilots. The first four Rafale jets will touch down in India only by May.
Other aircraft, including frontline Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-29K, Jaguar, C-130J Super Hercules, C- 17 Globemasters and Dorniers will take part in the flypast. "All aircraft will fly-in from (the) Rashtrapati Bhawan side and exit towards the India Gate at heights between 60 metres to 300 metres above ground level," IAF spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee said.
