India close to signing deal for acquisition of Apaches and Chinooks

India is close to inking major deals worth over $2.5 billion for Apache attack and Chinook heavy-lift choppers for the Indian Air Force.Indian Defence ministry sources said the around $1.4 billion deal for 22 AH-64D Apache Longbow gunships, armed with deadly Hellfire and Stinger missiles, and the $1.1 billion one for 15 CH-47F Chinooks, equipped with powerful contra-rotating tandem rotors  are almost ready for signing.

After the contract for 22 Apaches for IAF, the India Army will pursue a follow-on order for 39 helicopters for three attack helicopter squadrons.