Latest news with #Antonov
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Apache power: US-made chopper is Indian Army's big move to control aviation assets
On the rainy July 22 morning, a Soviet-era Antonov cargo aircraft touched down at the Hindon airbase close to Delhi, delivering the first batch of American AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army. These helicopters—nicknamed 'Flying Tank' for their heavy firepower and battlefield resilience—are set to be deployed along the western front with Pakistan, significantly boosting India's armoured warfare induction marks a major step in the army's longstanding efforts at direct control over its combat aviation assets. The three helicopters delivered are part of a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020 for six Apaches, specifically for the Indian Army. The choppers will be based at the newly raised 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan—strategically located for operations in the desert terrain bordering the Indian Air Force (IAF), which uses its 22 Apaches for air defence and deep-strike roles targeting enemy radar installations and command posts, the Indian Army intends to use its fleet for close air support, tank-busting missions and battlefield dominance during armoured delivery also rekindles a long-running turf war between the Indian Army and the IAF over control of attack helicopters. Since Independence, the IAF has retained command over all offensive air assets, including attack and heavy-lift helicopters. The army, however, has argued that helicopter gunships meant to support ground forces should be under the Army Aviation Corps' operational command in order to ensure better coordination and effectiveness in battlefield scenarios. Official sources claim that the arrival of the Apache helicopters is not just a boost in firepower—it represents a symbolic shift in the army's growing ambitions to carve out greater control over integrated air-land warfare. The delivery of all six helicopters is expected soon, after which they will be formally inducted and operationalised for July 22 delivery is more than just acquisition of cutting-edge hardware—it signals a strategic evolution of India's approach to modern aerial warfare. Built in Mesa, Arizona, the AH-64E is widely regarded as the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in service globally. It forms the backbone of the US army's attack helicopter fleet and is also part of arsenals of several allied nations, including AH-64E incorporates 26 new technologies to enhance battlefield performance. These include advanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with enhanced transmissions, improved rotor blades made of composite materials, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight—allowing manned-unmanned teaming in real time. Globally, over 400 AH-64Es have been delivered, and the US army fleet alone has clocked more than 4.5 million flight as the Apaches strengthen India's capabilities against Pakistan in the western theatre, a parallel and significant development is unfolding on the eastern front. This March, the defence ministry signed a Rs 62,700 crore (approximately $7.3 billion) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 'Prachand' light combat helicopters, underscoring the increasing role of rotorcraft in India's war-fighting doctrine. These helicopters—66 for the IAF and 90 for the Indian Army—will be delivered over the next five years, with deliveries starting in the third for high-altitude warfare, the Prachand is tailored to Indian needs, especially for deployment along the contested Himalayan border with China. With modern stealth features, armour protection and potent night-attack capabilities, the helicopter is optimised for precision strikes in extreme terrain. This makes it a vital counter to Chinese advancements in attack helicopter People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made significant strides with its Z-10 attack helicopter, also known as the Zhishengji-10 or the 'Fierce Thunderbolt'. Also dubbed the 'Chinese Apache' due to its design resemblance and battlefield role, the Z-10 represents China's growing ambitions to rival the US and western rotorcraft the arrival of the US-made Apaches and scaling up of India's homegrown Prachand fleet reflect a broader shift in India's aerial doctrine—one that emphasises on layered, terrain-specific attack helicopter capabilities across two distinct fronts. As the global strategic environment evolves, India's twin investments in American and indigenous platforms ensure it retains a credible edge in both desert and mountain to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
India.com
a day ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters The Indian Army has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of its first three Apache helicopters. These advanced combat machines, painted in desert camouflage, arrived in an Antonov transport aircraft and will greatly strengthen India's military power. The helicopters will be stationed in Jodhpur with the Army Aviation Corps, making them perfect 'Desert Guardians' for India's challenging western border region. These Apache AH-64E helicopters represent a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, especially along the Pakistan border. Before entering active service, they will undergo a routine Joint Receipt Inspection. Once approved, they will be immediately ready for real combat operations. The delivery marks an important step in the growing defense partnership between India and the United States, following recent discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about expanding military cooperation. The journey to acquire these helicopters faced challenges. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, supply chain problems caused a 15-month delay. This delivery completes a $600 million deal that India signed with the United States in 2020 for six advanced Apache helicopters specifically for the Army. The remaining three helicopters are expected to arrive by November this year. The Apache helicopter is globally recognized as the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. Made by Boeing in the United States, it excels in various missions from attacking enemy targets to supporting ground troops. The AH-64E version is the newest and most technologically advanced variant, currently used by the U.S. Army and many allied nations including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom. What makes the Apache AH-64E special is its cutting-edge technology. It features an open system design that allows easy upgrades of communication, navigation, and weapon systems. The helicopter has more powerful engines, better digital integration with military systems, and improved survival features to protect crews in dangerous situations. Its advanced targeting systems include special infrared lasers for precise target marking, while multi-spectrum vision combines night vision and thermal imaging for superior visibility in all conditions. The Apache's specifications are impressive. It carries two crew members – a pilot and a co-pilot who also operates weapons. The helicopter measures 17.7 meters in total length and 3.8 meters in height. When empty, it weighs 5,165 kg, but fully loaded for combat, it can weigh up to 8,006 kg. It can fly at speeds up to 269 km/h, has a combat range of 483 km, and can stay airborne for 2.5 hours during missions. The helicopter's weapon systems make it truly formidable. Its main gun is a powerful 30 mm chain gun holding 1,200 bullets. It has four weapon stations that can carry various missiles and rockets. These include Hellfire missiles for destroying tanks and bunkers, Spike and Maverick missiles for long-range ground targets, Stinger missiles for shooting down enemy aircraft, and 70 mm rockets for attacking vehicles and enemy positions. This comprehensive arsenal makes the Apache capable of engaging targets on land, sea, and in the air. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters successfully, proving India's ability to handle these sophisticated machines. The 2020 contract for six additional helicopters for the Army expands India's rotary-wing combat capabilities, giving ground commanders their own air support assets. This dual-service approach maximizes the Apache's potential across different military branches. These acquisitions support India's self-reliance vision in defense manufacturing. While the Apache represents international cooperation, it complements India's indigenous helicopter programs. In 2024, India signed contracts worth over ₹8,000 crore for 34 domestically-built ALH Dhruv helicopters – 25 for the Army and 9 for the Coast Guard. This strategy combines proven international platforms with developing domestic capabilities. The positioning of Apache helicopters in Jodhpur provides strategic advantages. This location offers optimal coverage for western border operations, specialized desert warfare training, and rapid response capability for emerging threats. As 'Desert Guardians,' these helicopters enhance India's offensive power through deep strike missions, close air support for ground troops, anti-armor operations, and advanced reconnaissance using sophisticated sensors. The Apache arrival brings immediate benefits including enhanced deterrence, tactical flexibility, force multiplication effects, and seamless integration with the Air Force's existing Apache fleet. Long-term goals include technology transfer, strengthening industrial partnerships with allies, and contributing to regional stability through defensive strength. The arrival of these Desert Guardians represents more than just adding three helicopters – it marks a significant advancement in India's military modernization. As these Apache AH-64E helicopters begin defending India's western frontier, they combine cutting-edge technology, proven capability, and strategic positioning to serve as guardians of India's sovereignty for decades ahead.
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
3 Apache Choppers, Painted In Desert Camo, Arrive For Indian Army From US
New Delhi: The Indian Army has received the first batch of three Apache helicopters that will massively boost its offensive and operational capabilities. The state-of-the-art choppers, painted in desert camouflage, arrived at the Hindon airbase this afternoon from the United States in an Antonov transport aircraft. This is the first time the Indian Army would operate Apache helicopters, undoubtedly among the world's best fighter choppers. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 of the heavy attack helicopters. These new choppers, known as "tanks in the air", will be deployed in Jodhpur near the western border with Pakistan. "Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the #IndianArmy significantly," said the Indian Army, sharing the first photos of helicopters in India. The Boeing-manufactured choppers will now undergo a process of acceptance that includes various trials. The three choppers are part of a $600 million deal to buy six Apache helicopters, which was signed between New Delhi and Washington during President Donald Trump's India visit in his first term in 2020. Under this deal, the first batch of three helicopters was set to arrive during May-June 2024, but supply line disruptions and geopolitical developments kept postponing the delivery. The Indian Air Force already has two active Apache squadrons in Pathankot in Punjab and Jorhat in Assam. The Apache helicopters can be used for attack purposes as well as for security, reconnaissance, and peace operations. These are equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems that provide accurate data on the target in all weather conditions. The choppers are armed with night vision navigation systems and have the latest communication, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Details Emerge About An-124 Condor's Mystery Flight Through Kyiv's Restricted Airspace
The Antonov company today provided new details about its massive An-124-100 Ruslan (NATO reporting name Condor) cargo jet that mysteriously appeared in the highly restricted skies of Kyiv last week. The jet caused a stir because only military aircraft and limited government and rescue helicopter flights are allowed over Kyiv after Russia's full-on invasion. Since then, runways have been blocked to prevent Russian landing attempts and international transportation to and from the Ukrainian capital has been conducted by train. You can read more about the flight of the Condor in our original story here. Condors have been used by the U.S. and other nations to move military supplies, including weapons provided to Ukraine and other outsized loads. The jets, one of the world's largest aircraft, have been a source of pride in Ukraine, where they were manufactured. As we suspected, we now know that this particular aircraft, tail number UR-82073, flew from the Antonov repair facility in Kyiv to the company's new headquarters in Leipzig, Germany on Friday. The flight was launched after completion of a four-year modernization effort, the company explained on Facebook. That work began before the outbreak of the all-out invasion of Ukraine. You can see the jet taxi and take off from Kyiv and land to a water cannon salute in Leipzig in the following video. This Condor, built in 1994, had more than 21,000 flying hours over more than 5,500 flights when the Russians attacked on Feb. 24, 2022, according to Antonov. The goal of the repair work was to replace main components manufactured in Russia with more modern ones made in Ukraine and the West. When Russian forces tried to take Kyiv, the Condor was in a 'disassembled state,' Antonov noted. The company's headquarters and at least one Condor in relatively decent condition were destroyed at Hostemel Airport during the opening battle when the Russians tried to take the airfield as a staging ground to attack Kyiv. It was during this fight that the biggest aircraft in the world at the time, the beloved An-225 known affectionately as Mriya, and a direct cousin of the An-124, was also destroyed. However, UR-82073 was located at Antonov's repair facility in Kyiv and was spared destruction. Dmytro Antonov se dostal do hangáru v Hostomelu. Letadlo An-124 UR-82009 je také poškozeno. — flyRosťa (@flyrosta) April 1, 2022 Still, as a result of 'the full-scale aggression of Russia,' Antonov said it initially ordered a partial suspension of the modernization effort. However, the work ultimately continued. 'Even in the most difficult conditions of the war, the team of JSC 'ANTONOV' was able to resume work and complete the modernization in June 2025,' the company noted. As part of the refurbishing, the jet's livery included the phrase 'Be Brave Like Irpin' emblazoned under the cockpit. It is a reference to the pivotal fight along the Irpin River in the early days of the all-out war that helped keep the Russians from advancing into Kyiv. UR-82073 is one of a number of Condors owned and operated by Antonov Airlines, a subdivision of the company specializing in international cargo transportation. The AN-124-100 'can load shipments weighing up to 120,000kg (264,555lbs),' the company pointed out. 'However, two of Antonov Airlines' seven AN-124-100s have been modified to accept 150,000kg (330,693lbs) payloads.' Designated AN-124-100M, 'Antonov Airlines' modernized versions boast upgraded navigation systems (P-RNAV) and fully comply with the latest ICAO avionics and noise regulations, meaning that they can operate globally and without restriction,' the company added. When the modernization work was completed, UR-82073 took off for Germany, sparking curiosity and wonderment from surprised Ukrainians. Meanwhile, several Russian milbloggers expressed disgust that the Condor was not blown up on the ground or shot out of the sky. It is worth noting that any aircraft that large would have given off enough signatures for the Russians to easily spot it, at least if it climbed to higher altitudes (especially if no A-50 is up). Actually hotting it down is another challenge altogether. That the An-124 was able to take off from Kyiv and fly over Ukrainian airspace unscathed is a bone of contention for the popular Fighterbomber Telegram channel. 'A sad event, of course. For our intelligence first and foremost,' stated Figtherbomber on Friday. The channel is closely tied to Russian military aviation. 'The sad thing here is not that the An-124 arrived, but that it was able to leave intact and unharmed. It arrived, of course, at night, later, when our agents are asleep.' In the hours after UR-82073 flew over Kyiv, some Russian Telegram channels claimed it had flown out of Dnipro, ahead of an expected Russian advance. In our story about that flight, we noted it was 'most likely that the aircraft in question had been stranded in Ukraine since 2022 and took off from the Svyatoshino airport in Kyiv. That's the headquarters of the Antonov Serial Production Plant.' Satellite imagery obtained by The War Zone backed up this assertion. Taken July 2 by Planet Labs, the image shows that there was two relatively intact An-124s on the apron at the time. One in particular seems to have been active, with the aircraft moving to the runway on July 5th. On Wednesday, after Antonov officials revealed what really happened, they expressed pride in what they accomplished. 'The relocation of [the Condor] became not just a technical solution, but a symbol of the stability, professionalism and unity of Ukrainian aircraft manufacturers, the company proclaimed. The improved jet 'will continue to fly and serve Ukraine on the international route.'' The completion of the An-124's modernization work was a bright moment of hope for Ukrainians at a very difficult time. However, given the nature of the war, it may be quite some time before another Condor flight is spotted over Kyiv. Contact the author: howard@ Solve the daily Crossword
Euronews
16-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Currency changeover in Bulgaria: the euro replaces the lev in January
The days of the Bulgarian lev are numbered! Bulgaria wants to introduce the European single currency, the euro, in January. The reform efforts are paying off: The European Commission, central bank and EU finance ministers have given the green light. Bulgaria meets all the conditions for the euro: Nevertheless, many Bulgarians are afraid of inflation – even though the euro is one of the most stable currencies in the world. 66 percent believe that Bulgaria is not yet ready. Bulgarian ultra-nationalists and supporters of Russia organise demonstrations against the euro. Society is divided. All EU institutions confirm the opposite: Bulgaria has done its homework and is ready. Are there more advantages or disadvantages associated with switching to euros? First stop for Bulgarian winegrowers. Wine has been cultivated in the region for thousands of years. Ivailo Antonov is managing director of the Bessa Valley winery. Despite summer temperatures of 40 degrees, his vines are thriving: "We plant Syrah. We expect a really good harvest this year.' The company produces 720,000 bottles of wine annually, 80 percent of which is for export. Juggling currencies costs money: "We sell abroad and are paid in euros," says Antonov. 'But when we buy material in Bulgaria, we pay with levs. So we give a lot of money to the bank to transfer money from euro to lev and vice versa." The introduction of the euro eliminates transaction costs, and Bulgaria's entrepreneurs save money. Change of location: In the village of Doganovo I meet Vasil Petrov. At the age of 14, he learned to catch and prepare carp. He also knows his way around accounting. He has been working in the restaurant at the fish pond for seven years. He believes that the euro will become expensive: 'Prices will go up, salaries won't. That scares me.' Bulgarian society is divided into supporters and opponents of the euro. Right-wing populists stoke fears of inflation and organise large-scale demonstrations. With people like Vasil, scaremongering works: 'I don't have a good feeling about giving up the lev, because the banknotes show Bulgarian celebrities. I am afraid to give up a piece of national identity, because we Bulgarians are very nationalistic. We have over 3000 years of history. People are afraid, because we feel that Europe is devouring us." Back to Bessa Valley. Winemaker Antonov disagrees with the point of view of fish chef Vasil. Money has nothing to do with national identity, he says. And: "The euro is the second most important currency in the world. I think we should be proud of that!' In the Bulgarian capital Sofia, I meet Plamen Ralchev. At the University of World Economy, he heads the Department of International Relations. He supports Bulgaria's decision to adopt the euro: 'Bulgaria has committed itself to adopting the euro under the conditions set out in the EU Accession Treaty. So the question is not whether to do that, but when." Euronews: 'When is the best time? 66 percent of Bulgarians say: Our country is not yet ready!" Ralchev: 'A few years ago, the Bulgarian economy was in better shape. We have lost momentum due to political instability and the inability to form a stable government.' Euronews: "Should Bulgaria wait a few more years?" Ralchev: "I do not recommend waiting. We don't know what the economic environment will look like in 2 or 3 years. It could get worse! - The problem is that the pro-European sentiment in Bulgaria is not solid enough.' Euronews: "Every second Bulgarian says: No! We don't want that! – Why?' Ralchev: "Some (Bulgarians) see themselves as Europeans, others think they are a very unique Balkan people. We have deep-seated psychological complexes: Where are we? Where should the journey go, as a nation? And then there's Russia: This rift running through Bulgarian society between pro-Russian and anti-Russian layers is deeply disturbing." Euronews: "Does the euro lead to inflation?" Ralchev: "This is psychological manipulation: Things are getting worse! Prices are exploding! - I expect prices to fall after the introduction of the euro. The market logic will make it clear to traders that they must lower their euro prices if they want to remain competitive in the market." Euronews: 'Why would Bulgaria adopt the euro? What is the advantage - for Bulgaria?" Ralchev: 'The euro is a stability anchor, a lifeboat that we should board.'
