Indian Air Force AH-64 Apache Makes Emergency Landing

An IAF AH-64 Apache helicopter made an emergency landing in a Punjab field on Friday (image via Twitter)

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache AH-64 attack helicopter made an emergency landing in Punjab state on Friday.

The aircraft reportedly took off from Pathankot Army Base and developed a technical snag, after which it was force-landed in a field in Punjab.

The two pilots of the gunship are said to be safe, and there is no damage to the helicopter.

The Indian MoD later issued a press release confirming the incident:  

"On 17 Apr 20, an Apache helicopter of the IAF got airborne from Pathankot Airbase. The helicopter, after approx 1 hr of flying had indications of a critical failure and carried out a safe landing west of Indora, Punjab.

The captain of the aircraft took correct and prompt actions to recover the helicopter safely. All crew onboard the helicopter are safe and there has been no damage to any property. The aircraft will be recovered after necessary rectification."

The IAF inducted 17 new AH-64E Apache choppers in 2019. They are part of 22 helicopters on order- under a $2 billion (INR 13,952 crore) deal signed with Boeing in 2015. The company is scheduled to deliver the remaining helicopters in this year.

The Indian Ministry of Defense is in the process of evaluating the acquisition of an additional six Apaches for the Indian Army.