IAF Apache Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Nangalpur, Crew Safe; No Damage Reported
IAF Apache Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing In Nangalpur, Crew Safe; No Damage Reported
An Indian Air Force (IAF) Apache attack helicopter made an emergency landing in the Nangalpur area, officials confirmed. All crew members are safe and no damage to the helicopter has been reported.
The incident comes just a week after a similar emergency landing involving an Apache in a field near Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. That landing was prompted by a technical snag warning displayed in the cockpit. After ground checks, the helicopter was safely flown back to the Sarsawa air station, about 12 kilometers from Saharanpur.
Though this recent landing was precautionary, such incidents are not without precedent. On April 4 last year, another Apache helicopter sustained significant damage after a hard landing near Khardung La in Ladakh during an operational sortie.
The Boeing AH-64 Apache, one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world, has significantly boosted India’s aerial warfare capabilities. Known for its agility, battlefield survivability, and firepower, the Apache is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rocket pods. It can operate in day, night, and challenging weather conditions.
India inducted the AH-64E Apache Guardian into the IAF fleet starting in 2019, followed by the Indian Army receiving its own fleet in 2024. These helicopters are strategically deployed to offer close air support in high-altitude zones and along critical borders, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
