NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is set to receive the first three of six long-awaited Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States by mid-July, marking a significant boost to its aerial combat capabilities. The delivery is part of a ₹5,691 crore deal signed with the US in February 2020.
According to sources, the three Boeing-manufactured Apache helicopters are expected to arrive around July 15, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery by November. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reaffirmed this timeline during a phone conversation with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh earlier this week.
These six heavy-duty Apache gunships are in addition to the 22 already inducted by the Indian Air Force under a separate ₹13,952 crore agreement signed in September 2015. One of those IAF choppers was severely damaged during a hard landing near Khardung La in Ladakh on April 4 last year.
The Army officially raised its Apache squadron at Jodhpur in March 2023, strategically positioning it along the western front with Pakistan. However, delivery delays caused by global supply chain disruptions have stalled the induction process until now.
Often described as “tanks in the air,” the Apache AH-64E helicopters are equipped with advanced weapons systems, including Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, a 30mm chain gun, and rockets. Known for their precision strike capability, these choppers are expected to significantly enhance the Army’s firepower, especially in high-threat combat zones.
The induction of these Apaches aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and improve operational readiness across all terrains.
