With its first induction into the IAF expected as early as in 2012-13, the LCH could easily beat the Apache induction by a number of years. However, in the long run, both are expected to complement each other and be worthy successors of the Mi-25/35 fleets.

While 2011 proved to be an eventful year for the Indian Air Force (IAF), in terms of new acquisitions, it was hoped that 2012 would bring even greater cheer for the depleted force to accelerate the process of rebuilding itself, both in terms of numbers as well as an all round improvement in its combat potential. That the hopes were not belied came true with the announcement of the winner of the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) competition on January 31, with Dassault from France, the maker of the Rafale multi-role jet fighter, declared as the lowest bidder to bag the deal. The contract—after the final negotiations are completed—is likely to be inked during the early part of the financial year 2012-13.

But the adrenalin rush does not end here as the rest of 2012 promises to be no less action-packed. Amongst the many lucrative deals to be signed this year, one which likely brings the greatest cheer to the IAF’s rotary wing air warriors would be the inking of the already selected Boeing’s AH-64D Block III Apache Longbow attack helicopters deal. The contract is for the supply of 22 Apaches to be delivered to the IAF to augment its fleet of attack helicopters. There could be repeat orders in the future.

Background

The IAF may have seen its first ‘chopper’ way back in the 1950s with the limited induction of Sikorski S-55 helicopters into service, but these and later Mi-4s supplied by the erstwhile USSR were essentially utility/casualty evacuation machines without combat teeth. It was with the induction of Mi-8s and later Mi-17s, which even though designated as medium-lift utility helicopters also had provisions to carry armament and be used in the armed-helicopter role. These helicopters could carry a substantial load of armament in terms of 57mm rockets and up to 250-kg free-fall bombs. Some of them could also be modified to carry chin-mounted guns, an option which was not exercised by the IAF. In addition, some light helicopters namely Chetak were modified in the anti-tank role armed with SS-11B1 anti-armour wireguided missiles.

However, it was only in the early 1980s, the IAF received its first lot of dedicated assault/attack helicopters. In 1984, No. 125 helicopter unit was formed with the then formidable Mi-25 gunship helicopters. The upgraded Mi-35s followed in April 1990, with No. 104 HU being re-equipped with the type. These two units have continued to serve in the specialised gunship role for quarter of a century or so in support of the Army. However, even after having gone through mid-life upgrades of sorts, these machines are becoming obsolescent and need to be augmented urgently. This led to the selection process of a suitable state-of-the-art attack helicopter for induction into the IAF which finally zeroed in onto Boeing’s latest version of the Apache as the attack helicopter choice for the IAF.

The Apache AH-64D Longbow Block III

Apache Longbow was one of several types that competed for the Indian Air Force order for 22 attack helicopters. It is interesting to note that Boeing had backed out of the competition in October 2008. But in 2009, the competition was restarted with the issuance of a new request for proposal (RFP) for 22 combat helicopters at a cost of approximately $500 million, with a request for Boeing to participate along with the six other global manufacturers of such machines. The qualitative requirements were twin-engine, high manoeuvrability, anti-armour, all-weather and all terrain capability. The IAF wanted the helicopters to have a minimum 20mm calibre turret gun, be capable of firing 70mm rockets with a 1.2 km range and missiles with at least seven km range. The helicopter was to be equipped with an electronic warfare and self-protection suite. In response, Boeing on its part submitted an Apache proposal in October 2009. Two years later, the US AH-64D Apache emerged as the front-runner ahead of its closest rival, the Russian Mi-28 N.