The India Ministry of Defence finalized an order with Boeing [BA] for the production, training, and support of 11 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, the company said Sept. 29.
“This is a milestone in Boeing’s expanding commitment to India. This acquisition enhances the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and offers us an opportunity to further accelerate ‘Make in India.’ Large sections of the Chinook fuselage are already manufactured in India and discussions are ongoing with our Indian partners to make Apache parts,” Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing India, said in a statement.
The “Make in India” initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sept. 2014, is a government program meant to encourage companies to manufacture their products in India.
These are the newest models of both rotorcraft and are operated by the U.S. Army. Boeing highlighted the CH-47F “has proven its ability to operate in the range of conditions that typify the Indian subcontinent, including delivering heavy payloads to high altitudes.”
According to a report in the Indian newspaper Business Standard, the order is worth about $3 billion.
“These new aircraft will provide world-class capabilities to meet the Indian Air Force’s missions today, tomorrow and well into the future. This agreement represents another major step forward in our long and successful relationship with India,” David Koopersmith, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s vertical lift division.
India is the 14th country to order Apaches and the 19th to order the Chinook, the company said.