NEW DELHI – Aerospace major Boeing on Friday said that it has carried outthe first flights of India`s Apache and Chinook helicopters destined fordelivery in 2019.

“First flight of India`s Apache and Chinook helicopters are importantmilestones towards strengthening Indian armed forces capabilities,” BoeingIndia President Pratyush Kumar was quoted as saying in a statement.

India will receive the most advanced versions of both the AH-64E Apache andthe CH-47F Chinook.

“Indian industry partners such as Dynamatics is building large sections ofChinook, and the Tata Boeing joint venture in Hyderabad is building thecomplete fuselage of the Apache,” it said.

India will ultimately receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack, and 15 CH-47F(I)Chinook transport, helicopters.

The contract for the Indian Air Force`s 22 Apaches and 15 Chinooks wasfinalised in September 2015.

Additionally, six Apaches were cleared for purchase for the Indian Army in2017.

Fuselages for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing AerospaceLimited, the joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems inHyderabad.