Indian Army Completes Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopter Fleet with Final Delivery

India has now received the final three Boeing Apache attack helicopters, which will be joining the Army's 451 Army Aviation Squadron stationed in Jodhpur.

The Indian Army confirmed that these advanced helicopters will be deployed in Jodhpur following assembly, joint inspections, and completion of necessary formalities in the upcoming days. The helicopters were transported to India aboard an Antonov An-124 aircraft.

Earlier this year in July, India received the initial batch of three Apache helicopters, with the remaining three arriving on Tuesday. The Indian Army's Apache helicopters were first showcased during Exercise Maru Jwala, which formed part of the larger tri-services military drill known as Exercise Trishul.

The Army is currently expanding its attack helicopter capabilities and is also preparing to induct 90 indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. Additionally, the Army Aviation Corps operates the weapons-integrated version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), called Rudra.

In a previous statement commemorating the Aviation Corps' raising day, the Army noted that the induction of these helicopters would substantially enhance the strike and reconnaissance capabilities of the Army Aviation Corps.

The delivery schedule experienced several delays. According to earlier reports, the first batch was initially expected to arrive around February or March, but only reached India in July. Previous timelines had indicated that all six helicopters would be delivered beginning in 2023, but this was subsequently postponed to 2024, followed by additional delays.

After receiving the initial batch, the Indian Army formally inducted the Apache helicopters into its aviation fleet. In a social media post on X, the Indian Army described the induction as a "milestone moment" and stated that these platforms would "significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army."

The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, which are deployed in Ladakh and western sectors.

The Apache helicopter is equipped to carry various weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and air-to-air Stinger missiles. It also features a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of its area weapon subsystem.

These helicopters are fitted with the Longbow fire control radar. According to Boeing, the Apache is the only attack helicopter globally with a fire control radar providing 360-degree coverage, along with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision operations.

The Boeing AH-64E represents the most advanced configuration of the Apache and is specifically designed for Multi-Domain Operations battlefield. The AH-64E Version 6 includes enhancements to sensors, software, and weapons performance.

Engineered for interoperability within the Multi-Domain Operations ecosystem, the AH-64E v6 is constructed to function in highly contested and complex battle environments. It integrates onboard and offboard sensors, long-range stand-off weapons, and network connectivity to support joint military operations.

The AH-64E v6 is described as a fully integrated attack helicopter optimized to meet modern battlefield requirements.