Indian Army receives First Consignment of US Apache AH-64E Helicopters

The first consignment of the three American Apache AH-64E combat helicopters has finally arrived at the Hindon Airbase of the Indian Air Force in Uttar Pradesh. The helicopter is for the Indian Army, and it is expected to significantly enhance its combat strength. 

The deal to buy six Apache AH-64E helicopters for the Indian Army, worth $800 million, was signed during President Donald Trump’s visit to India in 2000.

Delay in Helicopter Delivery 

The helicopters were to be delivered by Boeing, the manufacturer of the Apache helicopters, to India by February 2024, but it was delayed. According to Boeing, the delay was due to the supply chain and technical issues with the helicopters. 

Donald Trump lost his Presidential reelection bid in 2020, and Joe Biden became the President of the United States.

It is believed that the Joe Biden administration deliberately slowed the delivery schedule of the helicopter as a pressure tactic on India due to its support for Russia in the Ukraine war.

Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential election and was sworn in on January 20, 2025. The Indian government took up the matter with the American government, and finally, the helicopter is being delivered to India.

Induction in the Indian Army 

In anticipation of the delivery of the Apache Helicopter, the Indian Army raised the 451 Aviation Squadron in March 2024 at Nagtalao in Jodhpur. 

The helicopters are to be deployed at Jodhpur base along the India-Pakistan border.

The last three helicopters are expected to be delivered by October-November 2025.

The Indian Army is establishing its own Aviation Corps, separate from the Indian Air Force. The induction of the Apache Helicopters will provide a significant combat edge to the Indian Army’s air power.

About the Apache Helicopter 

The Boeing-made AH-64E Apache Helicopter, also called a flying tank, is one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world.

It is a multi-role helicopter that was inducted in the United States Army in 1984 and is currently in service in 13 other countries, including India.

The AH-64E is an advanced version of the Apache attack helicopter, incorporating cutting-edge communications, navigation, and targeting systems. 

Its advanced targeting system enables the pilots to lock onto and engage targets in any weather conditions. 

The helicopter is armed with Hellfire missiles, rockets and a 30 mm chain gun that is capable of firing 625 armour-penetrating rounds per minute.

Apache Helicopter In Indian Armed Forces

The Apache Helicopters are already in operation with the Indian Air Force. In 2015, India signed a $3.1 billion deal with Boeing to purchase 22 Helicopters for the Indian Air Force. These helicopters are in service with the Indian Air Force.

Boeing has signed an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to produce the fuselage of Apache helicopters at Tata’s Hyderabad plants.