After long delays, India to receive U.S.-made Apache helicopters in July, more by year-end

Notably, the Indian Air Force already operates 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters. (File photo)

The Indian Army, after months of delays, is reportedly expected to receive the first set of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters this month,

This marks a significant boost to its combat readiness along the western front.

According to official sources cited in a News18 report, three of the six helicopters ordered from the U.S. are slated for delivery in July, with the remaining three expected by the end of the year.

The Apache choppers, known for their precision strike capability, agility, and battlefield survivability, will be deployed along the India-Pakistan border, where an Army aviation squadron has already been formed in preparation, states the report.

It should be mentioned here that the deal for the six Apache helicopters was signed in 2020 at a cost of approximately $600 million.

The original delivery schedule targeted June 2024, but supply chain disruptions led to a delay, first pushing the timeline to December of the same year, and now this July.

Notably, 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters are already in service with the Indian Air Force. Delivered in accordance with a 2015 contract, these primarily support close air support and air combat roles after being fully inducted and operational.

The Indian Army will now have its own fleet of Apaches, independent of the IAF, thanks to this new induction. These attack helicopters are a powerful tool in contemporary combat situations because they are outfitted with advanced radar systems, Hellfire missiles, rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun.