The first batch of four Chinook helicopters for the Indian Air Force arrived at the Mundra Port in Gujarat. India has procured 15 of these helicopters from the United States. The government of India has signed contract with M/s Boeing USA and Letter of Agreement (LOA) with US Government on 28th September, 2015 for purchase of Apache Attack Helicopters. A contract with M/s Boeing, USA has also been signed on 28th September, 2015 for purchase of Chinook heavy lift helicopters. Defence equipment are imported as per the operational requirements of the Armed Forces.
However, actual cash outgo depends on delivery of equipment / reaching of laid down milestones before release of funds. India procures defence equipment under capital acquisition from various countries, the major sources being Russia, USA, Israel and France. During the last three years i.e. 2012-13 to 2014-15 contracts and Letter of Agreement (LOA) worth Rs. 7285.72 crores have been signed with vendors from USA and the US Government.
The first four CH-47F Chinooks for the IAF were brought to the Mundra Port in Gujarat. They will be assembled in Gujarat before being ferried to Chandigarh, where they will be formally inducted into the IAF later this year. At Chandigarh, the helicopters will become a part of the 126 Helicopter Flight, which currently operates the last of the Mi-26 heavy lift helicopters.
