Taiwan’s Army has formally inducted into service the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters during a ceremony attended by President Tsai Ing-Wen in Taoyuan City, on 17 July.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), on 17 July Taiwan’s Army was officially commissioned all of its Apache attack helicopters purchased from the United States, having completed the necessary pilot training and verification of the fleet’s combat capability.

One of the helicopters was destroyed in a crash during a training flight in Taoyuan in April 2014 and the other 29 have been allocated to the command’s 601st Brigade which is based in Longtan, Taoyuan.

During a ceremony attended by President Tsai Ing-Wen said that: “I have confidence in this brigade, said the president, adding that it would play an important role in the military’s efforts to defend the country and deter the enemy.”

“The government would continue to support the military as it tries to facilitate plans for strengthening the country’ defense capability,” – also adding Tsai Ing-Wen.

Taiwan purchased the 30 AH-64E Apache helicopters from the U.S. at cost of NT$59.31 billion (USD1.94 billion) in 2008, in a deal that included personnel training and logistics, and took delivery of the aircraft over the period November 2013 to October 2014.

The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces. The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also known as Apache Guardian.

【台湾最强阵容美制武装直升机，有效阻击解放军侵台】

在台湾，总统蔡英文17号校阅媒体所称“地表最强攻击直升机“的29架阿帕奇攻击直升机，并宣布成军。有军事专家分析，阿帕奇是两岸同类装备中火力最强的武装直升机，能有效阻击解放军攻击。中国大陆党媒17号则宣布大陆解放军18号将在东海实弹演习。 pic.twitter.com/PNtpul6hBs

— 自由亚洲电台新闻 (@RFA_Chinese) 17 July 2018