An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache attack helicopter made an emergency landing in Punjab’s Nangalpur area on Thursday, marking the second incident related to the advanced combat helicopter in just a week. A similar incident happened in April too. As per a report by The Times of India, IAF officials have confirmed that all the crew members were safe and have not suffered any damage.
The reason behind the official landing has not been confirmed by the IAF, but initial information indicates a technical alert during the flight. The aircraft was soon grounded for probe after the precautionary landing.
Apache in trouble? Second such incident in a week
In a similar incident that occurred on June 6, an Apache helicopter also made an emergency landing near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, while doing a routine sortie. As per a report by ANI, the aircraft, after experiencing a technical fault, came back safely to the Saharanpur air base. Just before this incident, another Apache in April had made an emergency landing in the same place because of the cockpit warning. After a broad on-ground inspection was conducted, the helicopter was flown back to the Sarsawa Air Station.
Apache AH-64E: Why is it significant?
The Apache AH-64E is one of the most lethal and technologically advanced attack helicopters in the world, and it is manufactured by Boeing. The aircraft is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hydra 70 rocket, and Hellfire missiles. This aircraft is also capable of doing precision strikes during the day as well as in adverse weather conditions. Its special features, like night vision and a target acquisition system, make it highly valuable in planned operations and high-altitude.
India inducted the Apache into the Air Force in 2019 and also deployed it in the Indian Army in 2024. This helicopter plays a significant role in ground assistance and border security at the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).