India’s First Army Apaches Arrive at Hindon, Marking Major Leap in Indo-US Defence Ties

In a major boost to India’s military capabilities, the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army landed at Hindon Air Base today. Thus, marking a significant milestone in India–US defence cooperation and the modernisation of the Army Aviation Corps.

And, the remaining three helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. These helicopters are expected to further strengthen the Army’s air strike capabilities, especially for joint operations. The Indian Air Force is already operating these helicopters, with two squadrons stationed at Pathankot and another in Jorhat.

The delivery comes under an $800 million agreement signed in February 2020 for six Apache helicopters, specially configured for the Indian Army. The arrival of these formidable aircraft follows multiple delays and assumes added significance in the backdrop of recent cross-border tensions and geopolitical shifts in the region.

“Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India,” the Indian Army stated on social media.

“These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly,” the post added.

Why These Helicopters Matter

The AH-64E Apache, built by Boeing, is widely regarded as one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with cutting-edge sensors, integrated avionics, and powerful weapon systems including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun capable of firing up to 650 rounds per minute.

These helicopters are often described as “flying tanks” for their agility, survivability, and lethality on the battlefield. They also feature the Longbow radar system, capable of tracking over 120 targets and engaging multiple threats simultaneously, a critical asset for high-intensity operations.

With tensions persisting along both the Western and Northern borders, the Apaches are expected to play a decisive role in supporting ground forces, especially in the desert terrain of Rajasthan, where the Army’s 451 Aviation Squadron was recently raised to operate them.

Long-Delayed but Strategically Timed

Initially scheduled for delivery by May 2024, the project had faced delays partly due to diplomatic friction, including controversial comments from US President Donald Trump and complications following India’s high-profile Operation Sindoor. However, the pace of deliveries has picked up again.

Earlier this month, the US also delivered GE F414 jet engines for India’s Tejas Mk2 fighter program, another long-pending defence deal finally taking shape. Together, the delivery of engines and attack helicopters signals renewed momentum in India–US strategic cooperation.

Army Gets Its Own Apaches

While the Indian Air Force has been operating 22 Apache helicopters since a 2015 deal, this is the first time the Indian Army will field the platform independently. Until now, the Army Aviation Corps has operated the indigenous HAL Rudra helicopters, which lack the combat punch and survivability of the Apache.

Team BharatShakti