The final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters has arrived in India at the Hindon Air Force Station, delivered by the United States of America. This completes the delivery of all six helicopters contracted for the Army Aviation Corps.
In a post on X, the US Embassy said the delivery marked progress on the joint statement issued by the US President and the Prime Minister's Office of India.
"Delivering on the POTUS and PMO India joint statement, the arrival of the latest Boeing India AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army marks another step forward in the US-India Major Defense Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing US-India Defense partnership and fulfills commitments made by the US Secretary of War and Defence Ministry of India. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange," the US embassy said.
According to the Army, the helicopters will be deployed after assembly, joint inspections, and completion of other formalities, and will be based in Jodhpur.
The deliveries had faced repeated delays. As per earlier timelines, the first batch of Apache helicopters was expected to arrive around February or March this year. However, the first helicopters reached India only in July. Earlier projections had suggested that deliveries of all six helicopters would begin in 2023. This was later pushed to 2024, followed by further delays.
The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, which are deployed in Ladakh and western sectors.
Why Apache?
It can carry a range of weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and air-to-air Stinger missiles, and is equipped with a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of its area weapon subsystem. The helicopter is fitted with the Longbow fire control radar. As mentioned by Boeing, Apache is the only attack helicopter in the world with a fire control radar that provides 360-degree coverage, along with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision operations.
The Boeing AH-64E is the most advanced configuration of the Apache and is designed for the Multi-Domain Operations battlefield.
Upgradation in the version —
The AH-64E Version 6 includes upgrades to sensors, software, and weapons performance.
Designed for interoperability within the Multi-Domain Operations ecosystem, the AH-64E v6 is built to operate in highly contested and complex battle spaces. It integrates onboard and offboard sensors, long-range stand-off weapons, and network connectivity to support joint operations. The AH-64E v6 is described as a fully integrated attack helicopter optimised for modern battlefield requirements.
The Indian Army is keeping its foot ahead with the steady expansion of its firepower in the attack helicopter domain. Besides Apache attack helicopters, the Army is set to induct 90 homegrown (made in India) Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand.
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