Indian Army Inducts Advanced Apache Attack Helicopters from the US, Boosts Critical Army Aviation Corps

The Indian Army has officially inducted the Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, a formidable platform which will boost the operational capability Army Aviation Corps (AAC). The Apache, an advanced, multi-role combat helicopter developed by Boeing, is widely known for open-desert engagements to high-altitude warfare and urban combat environments.

- By MANISH KUMAR JHA

THE INDIAN ARMY HAS officially inducted the Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, a formidable platform often referred to as a "tank in the air." The state-of-the-art helicopters were procured from the United States under a $600 million deal in 2020 to acquire six Apache for the Army. While it marked a significant delay over delivery, which was expected by June 2024, the induction of three helicopters puts an end to the waiting period and operational gaps.

Indian Army has already set up a squadron under the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) with a total fleet of 350 helicopters that includes indigenous attack helicopters and also Soviet-origin Mi-25/Mi-35. The squadron is set up in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, which is slated to be operational upon the acquisition.

The acquisition of Apache marks a crucial modernisation step for India's rotary-wing strike force, particularly for operations in high-altitude and border regions. The AAC in its mechanised role is crucial for attack and counterinsurgency operations, apart from logistics and deployment.

The remaining three helicopters are expected to be delivered later this year.

Technical Overview: AH-64E Apache

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is an advanced, multi-role combat helicopter developed by Boeing. It is the most modern variant of the Apache series and is designed to dominate across a range of conflict scenarios – from open-desert engagements to high-altitude warfare and urban combat environments.

Armament Capabilities