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After a series of delays, the Indian Army is finally set to receive the first batch of Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters this month, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of its combat aviation capabilities. The Army will induct three of the six Apache helicopters purchased under a $800 million deal signed in 2020, with the helicopters slated for deployment in Jodhpur, near the Pakistan border.
The arrival of these cutting-edge platforms coincides with the Army’s steady expansion of its aviation arm, with a strategic focus on high-threat sectors along both the western and northern frontiers.
As previously reported, the Apache squadron will operate under the newly established 451 Army Aviation Squadron at Jodhpur, which falls under the Western Command.
“These machines are expected to significantly boost the Indian Army’s firepower in the desert theatre, particularly against armoured threats,” a senior defence official said. “Their induction is part of an effort to reshape battlefield preparedness with modern and versatile aerial assets.”
Originally, the first Apache was scheduled for delivery in February 2024, but delays in production and handover via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the U.S. government pushed the timeline multiple times, drawing concern in New Delhi.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reportedly raised the issue during a recent phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.
According to a statement by the U.S. Department of Defence, both sides emphasised “the importance of expediting major defence deliveries and enhancing bilateral defence-industrial cooperation.”
A Combat-Proven Machine
The Apache AH-64E is one of the world’s most advanced and lethal attack helicopters, extensively used in modern conflicts including Afghanistan and Iraq.
Armed with Hellfire and Stinger missiles, a 30mm chain gun, and cutting-edge night-vision and targeting sensors, the helicopter is capable of operating in all weather conditions and conducting precision strikes against enemy tanks, fortifications, and troop concentrations.
“Apache’s sensor suite allows it to operate seamlessly even in low-visibility environments. Its combination of firepower and survivability makes it unmatched on the battlefield,” an aviation corps officer involved in the Apache training program said.
To prepare for the induction, six Indian Army pilots and 24 technical personnel underwent extensive training in the United States under Boeing’s program. These helicopters were first assembled at the Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited facility in Hyderabad and then shipped to the U.S. for final integration and testing.
Modernisation Drive
The Indian Army currently operates three aviation brigades—in Misamari (Eastern Command), Leh (Northern Command), and Jodhpur (Western Command)—each tailored to meet the unique geographical challenges of their operational theatres.
The Apaches will be the second type of dedicated attack helicopter in the Army’s inventory, following the induction of the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) “Prachand” by HAL. While the LCH is optimised for high-altitude warfare, particularly in areas like Ladakh, the Apache is better suited for high-intensity operations in desert and plains sectors.
“The Apaches and LCH will complement each other in India’s diverse operational environments,” said a senior MoD official. “This balanced capability ensures readiness for future threats across multiple fronts.”
While the Army awaits the remaining three Apaches from the current batch, discussions are ongoing to procure an additional 11 Apaches, as originally proposed under a broader requirement for 39 attack helicopters.
Meanwhile, the Defence Acquisition Council has approved the procurement of 156 additional LCHs for both the Army and the Air Force, in addition to the 15 currently in limited series production.
The Army Aviation Corps also continues to operate 75 Rudra helicopters—armed variants of the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)—which are being deployed for reconnaissance and support missions.
Tactical Edge in a Changing Battlefield
The deployment of the Apache helicopters to the Pakistan-facing Jodhpur sector sends a clear strategic signal. The platform’s formidable capability to engage armoured and mechanised formations will serve as a deterrent and offer rapid-response options in case of conflict escalation.
The induction of the Apaches signifies not just the arrival of a new capability, but a transformation in how the Army intends to fight future wars—faster, smarter, and with unmatched precision.
Team BharatShakti
