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NEW DELHI — India and the United States soon will sign a $1 billion deal for the purchase of 22 attack helicopters, an Indian Defence Ministry official said.
The Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopter beat the Russian Mi-28N Night Hunter, outscoring the Russian helicopter on more than 20 technical points, said an Indian Air Force official.
The helicopters can fly day or night, in all weather, and are capable of operations in desert and mountainous environments. The helicopters will have an empty weight of about 2,500 kilograms and have advanced anti-armor capability.
The helicopters will be equipped with a radar warning receiver, allowing them to intercept, identify and prioritize multiple airborne and ground-based radio frequency emitters.
The purchase will include a supply of Hellfire Longbow missiles, Stinger missiles and 12 fire-control radars.
India is also developing its own light attack helicopter through state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics. It is expected to be ready by 2013-2014.
The helicopter is being designed for use in altitudes of up to 26,000 feet. Armament would include a 20mm cannon, as well as rockets and missiles for a variety of missions, including air-to-air, air-to-surface and anti-radiation.
