On September 3, the Indian Air Force inducted the first batch of eight Apache helicopters at the Pathankot airbase.

AH-64 Apache helicopters (Picture source: US Army)

The new fleet of Apache helicopters will be part of 125-Helicopter squadron, popularly called “Gladiators” of the IAF.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the induction ceremony said that the Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet.

Talking about the specifics of Apache helicopter Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, "Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in network-centric aerial warfare."