Prime Minister, Narendra Modi meeting the President of United States of America (USA), Barack Obama, in New York on September 28, 2015

 

AH-64 Apache

 

CH-47 Chinook helicopter

A little before the two heads of State, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President, Barack Obama met in New York, the two countries signed in New Delhi a mega defence deal for the purchase of two of the most advanced American helicopters in a deal worth about $3billion (Rs. 19,800 crores). The agreements, after many delays and price escalations, were signed in the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in South Block.

Announcing this on official Twitter handle was the Ministry of Defence spokesperson Sitanshu Kar. He tweeted "Contract for purchase of 15 Chinook and 22 Apache helicopters signed."

Both the helicopters had beaten competition from Russia which had offered its Mi-28N Night Hunter and Mi-26 heavy-lift copters. This contract will further consolidate the US position as India's second-biggest arms supplier, behind only Russia.

The deal signed with Boeing and the US government is expected to be completed in four years. The Chinook deal is direct with Boeing. Reports are that the first helicopter is likely to be handed over to India in the next three to four years.

The contract has a clause to place follow-on orders for 11 more Apaches and seven extra Chinooks. The helicopter deal has survived over 10 price validity extensions from the American side with the last one being for a month as desired by India.

The Apache deal was signed with Boeing for the helicopter and the other with the US government, under Foreign Military Sales route, for its weapons, radars and electronic warfare suites.

It was on September 22, the Cabinet Committee on Security had cleared the deal which had been pending since 2013 when the cost negotiations were completed.

With this deal, there is increased partnership between Indian and US defence industry. US companies in the last decade have got defence contracts worth $10 billion, including for aircraft like P-8I maritime surveillance planes, C-130J 'Super Hercules' and C-17 Globemaster-III in the transport category.

The 22 Apache AH 64D Longbow helicopters are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, featuring all-weather and night-fighting features, ability to track upto 128 targets in less than a minute and engage with 16, besides stealth characteristics, advanced sensors and beyond visual range missiles.

The FMS portion of the sale includes munitions, training, aircraft certification, and components like engines, electro-optical sensors and the radar.

Both helicopters will be delivered in fly-away condition, i.e., fully-built and ready for operations. Since Boeing is committed to a 30 per cent offset liability, there may be some portions that are built in India. Boeing sources say that additional Indian vendors are being scouted for building more components.

It must be mentioned that the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said recently that the deal, which will have a 30 per cent offset clause, will bring in business worth about USD 1 billion for the Indian defence industry.

AH-64 Apache General Characteristics:

Cruise Speed (MCP)

• Two high-performance turbo-shaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
• Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track and attack targets
• A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds

Boeing CH-47F Chinook General Characteristics:

• Length: Fuselage — 52.0 ft. (15.9 m) Incl. Rotors — 99.0 ft. (30.18 m)
• Width: 12.42 ft (3.78 m)
• Rotor Diameter: 60 ft. (18.29 m)
• Height: 18.92 ft. (5.77 m)
• Propulsion: 2 Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines, 4,777 shp (3,529 kW) each
• Maximum Speed: 170 kt (315 km/h)
• Fuel: 1,034 gal. (3,914 L)
• Service Ceiling: 20,000 feet
• Useful Load: 24,000 lbs. (10, 886 kg)
• Mission Radius: 200 nm (370.4 km)
• Max Gross Weight: 50,000 lbs. (22,680 kg)
• Mission: Transport of troops, artillery, ammunition, fuel, supplies, water in support of combat operations, and civil and humanitarian relief
• Service Customer: U.S. Army, in service since 1962.