Make in India: Boeing in talks with Indian firms to manufacture parts of Apache helicopter

NEW DELHI: American aviation giant Boeing today said it is in talks with Indian firms to manufacture parts of Apache helicopter, a day after it signed a contract with India for 15 Chinook heavy-lift and 22 attack choppers.

It said the contract for production, training and support of Apache and Chinook helicopters will greatly enhance India's capabilities across a range of military and humanitarian missions.

India will receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Both are the newest models of those choppers and the first one likely to be handed over to India in the next three to four years.

"This is a milestone in Boeing's expanding commitment to India," Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India said in a press statement.

He said the acquisition offers Boeing 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," he said.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had last week said that the contract, which will have a 30 per cent offset clause, will bring in business worth about $1 billion for the Indian Defence industry. He said at least 50 per cent of these would be direct export.

The Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter. The AH-64E Apache, the most modern variant also flown by the US Army, features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.

The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the US Army and 18 other defence forces.