The Indian Army on Tuesday took delivery of the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, thereby completing the induction of its full six-aircraft fleet. With this delivery, all six helicopters are now allocated to the Army’s 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The newly arrived helicopters landed at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad before being moved for further processing.
The first set of three Apache helicopters had reached India earlier in July, after a delay of nearly 15 months from the originally projected schedule. These advanced attack helicopters are intended to strengthen the Army’s attack aviation capabilities and have been earmarked primarily for deployment along the western border, where they will play a key role in offensive and defensive operations. Defence sources had earlier indicated that the final batch would undergo assembly checks and detailed inspections after arrival in India.
The AH-64E Apache, often described as a “Flying Tank” because of its heavy firepower and survivability in combat conditions, is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated multirole attack helicopters in service anywhere in the world. Manufactured in Mesa, Arizona, the platform forms the backbone of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet and is operated by several allied countries, including India.
Equipped with a formidable weapons package that includes Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the Apache is designed to destroy enemy armour, fortified positions, and air defence systems with precision. Its advanced sensors, night-fighting capabilities, and network-centric warfare systems allow it to operate effectively in high-threat environments, including difficult mountainous terrain.
The Army Aviation Corps formally raised its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur in March 2024. However, despite the squadron being operationally established, it had to wait for almost 15 months to receive the helicopters, as deliveries from the United States were repeatedly delayed. The induction of the Apaches had missed several earlier deadlines.
The helicopters are being delivered under a USD 600-million agreement signed between India and the US in 2020. Under the original timeline, all six Apache helicopters were expected to be delivered by May–June 2024. However, the schedule was later revised to December 2024 due to global supply chain disruptions and technical issues on the US side.
The plan had been to deliver the helicopters in two batches of three each, with the first batch originally expected in mid-2024. Defence Ministry sources had previously stated that technical challenges faced by the manufacturer contributed to the delays in meeting the delivery schedule.
The AH-64E variant incorporates 26 advanced technologies, including enhanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines, upgraded rotor blades, and the capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles in real time from the cockpit. Worldwide, more than 400 AH-64E helicopters have been delivered, and the US Army’s Apache fleet has accumulated over 4.5 million flight hours.
Separately, the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under an earlier procurement contract signed in 2015, making India one of the few countries to operate the advanced attack helicopter across both its Army and Air Force aviation wings.
