Bengaluru: GE Aerospace has won a 5-year long-term contract from the Indian Air Force to maintain and repair the engine T700-GE-701D fitted on its AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet. As a part of the agreement GE Aerospace will also provide spare parts for the engines to support the operability and availability of the helicopters.

This contact is designed to streamline engine sustainment operations, improve turnaround times, and enhance the availability and operational readiness of the Apache fleet.

Speaking on the significance of this contract, Youngje Kim, GE Aerospace Asia Pacific, Defense & Systems said “We are honoured to continue our partnership with the Indian Air Force through this contract, which underscores our commitment to delivering reliable and innovative sustainment solutions for critical defence platforms.”

GE Aerospace further added that the contract demonstrates GE Aerospace’s focus on supporting the Indian Air Force’s operational needs and mission readiness by ensuring the T700 engines are maintained at the highest level of performance.

GE Aerospace’s T7000 engine series currently powers 15 types of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft in more than 50 countries. The Apache AH-64E uses two T700 turboshaft engines for a top speed of 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour and a range of 500 kilometers (311 miles). The helicopter measures 18 meters (59 feet) long and has a rotor diameter of 15 meters (49 feet).

The helicopter is built with a defensive suite and modern avionics technology and can be fitted with multi-domain missiles and a 30-millimeter chain gun for assault missions

Currently Boeing is delivering 28 Apache helicopters to Indian defence forces of which 22 are already delivered.