CCS cleared multi-billion deals for Apache attack and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from US

Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 22 September 2015 approved the deal to buy 37 military helicopters from the United States (US). The deal is worth 3.1 billion US dollars.

The deal of 37 helicopters comprises of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers from US defence contractor Boeing. These helicopters will replace the old Soviet-era aircraft.

The deal, which was being delayed from 2012, also contains proposals to place follow-on orders for 7 more CH-47F Chinook and 11 more AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters.

On the one hand, the Apache, armed with fire-and-forget Hellfire missiles, has the ability to track up to 128 targets in just 60 seconds and prioritise threats. The missiles, in addition, enhance the helicopter gunships with heavy anti-armour abilities.

On the other, the Chinook’s main duty includes transporting troops, artillery and battlefield resupply.

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