After a delay of over 15 months, the Indian Army is finally expected to receive the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, marking a significant step towards bolstering its combat capabilities along the western border in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
According to sources aware of the delivery schedule, over to the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps on July 22.
The Indian Army had signed a USD 600 million deal with the United States in 2020 for six Apache attack helicopters, with delivery initially expected between May and June 2024.
However, repeated delays due to supply chain disruptions and technical issues faced by the US pushed the delivery timeline to December 2024.
As per the original plan, the six helicopters were to arrive in two batches of three. While the second batch is expected later this year, the first batch has yet to reach India despite the deadline having passed over a year ago.
The Army Aviation Corps raised its first Apache squadron at Nagtalao, Jodhpur, in March 2024. Pilots and ground staff were trained and ready for flight operations, but the squadron has .
This prolonged wait has left a critical gap in the Army’s operational readiness despite the urgency driven by the evolving threat perception along the western front.
The Apache AH-64E helicopters are known for their agility, firepower, and advanced targeting systems and are seen as a crucial addition to the Army’s arsenal.
While the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under a separate 2015 agreement, the Indian Army is still awaiting its share of these advanced combat helicopters to enhance its ground-attack capabilities.
The Indian Army’s Aviation Corps plays a vital role in supporting frontline operations and conducting diverse missions ranging from reconnaissance to casualty evacuation. Its existing assets include the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which was grounded earlier this year following a crash of an Indian Coast Guard ALH in January.
However, limited approvals were granted for Dhruv operations after the Pahalgam attack due to the emerging security situation.
Other helicopters in the Corps’ inventory include the Rudra, an armed version of the ALH Dhruv used for close air support and anti-tank roles; the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters for reconnaissance, logistics, and evacuation; and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed for offensive missions in high-altitude environments.
Fixed-wing aircraft like the Dornier 228 are also used for reconnaissance, logistics, and communication. The Corps also operates UAVs such as the Heron and Searcher for surveillance and reconnaissance, and Mi-17 helicopters for medium-lift transport and evacuation missions.
The arrival of the Apache helicopters is expected to significantly augment the Army’s ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations along the western frontier, enhancing overall preparedness amid ongoing operational priorities under Operation Sindoor.