India on Tuesday received its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Army. American aerospace major Boeing delivered the choppers as part of a contract to supply six helicopters to the Indian Army. This marks a significant upgrade in its offensive capabilities, particularly along the country’s tense western frontier with Pakistan.
The helicopters are part of a $600 million US foreign military sale agreement, which have been delivered following a delay of more than 15 months due to supply chain disruptions and technical issues.
In 2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 E-model Apaches to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and signed a contract to supply six AH-64Es for the Indian Army. The delivery of the Indian Army's Apaches was scheduled to begin in 2024.
The second batch of copters is expected in November this year. The total package includes airframes, Hellfire and Stinger missiles, spare parts, radar, sensors, training, and long-term logistical support.
Who will operate them?
The 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based in Nagtalao, Jodhpur, was raised in March 2024 exclusively to operate these helicopters. However, due to the delivery delays, the squadron had remained aircraft-less until now.
With induction finally underway, operational deployment is expected to begin shortly, especially along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border with Pakistan -- regions that have seen heightened troop activity and tactical operations under Operation Sindoor.
Why the Army needs its own Apaches
These Apaches are not just for show; they are purpose-built for direct battlefield support, unlike their Air Force counterparts, which serve broader combat and strike roles.
Designed for roles like close air support, anti-armour warfare, and rapid-response strikes, the Army's Apaches will bolster its aviation wing with teeth for tactical operations in desert and semi-arid zones.
What the Apache AH-64E brings to India
The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the most advanced version of the iconic attack helicopter, and it brings a major boost to India’s combat capabilities. Armed with a powerful 30mm chain gun, it can fire up to 625 armour-piercing rounds per minute, ideal for ground assault missions.
It also carries up to 16 Hellfire missiles and air-to-air Stinger missiles, allowing it to take on both land and aerial targets with ease. One of its standout features is the Longbow radar, which can track 128 targets at once and engage 16 of them in under 30 seconds, even in rough terrain or behind obstacles.
The Apache is equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems, including thermal imaging, night vision, and laser-guided precision — all of which are vital for operations in low visibility or during night missions. Pilots also have helmet-mounted displays for faster, more intuitive control.
What sets the AH-64E apart is its ability to work with drones. It can control UAVs like the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, giving it access to live reconnaissance and the ability to strike remotely.
Designed for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), the Apache fits well into India’s plan for networked and joint-force warfare, enabling better coordination across land, air, and digital domains.
Built for war and for India
The Apache Guardian isn’t just a war machine; it’s also a symbol of growing India–US defence ties and an enabler of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Boeing, produced the Apache fuselage at its Hyderabad facility in January 2023. This marks a step forward in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capacity.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth recently discussed this delivery during a July 1 phone call, reviewing the state of defence cooperation between the two countries.
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