New Delhi, July 23: The Indian Army on Tuesday took delivery of the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, bolstering its combat capabilities along the country’s western border, the Ministry of Defence said.
The advanced helicopters, received at the Hindon Airbase near New Delhi, will be deployed with the Army Aviation Corps in Jodhpur after undergoing a joint inspection process, the ministry said in a statement.
“This is a milestone moment for the Indian Army. These state-of-the-art platforms will significantly bolster our operational capabilities,” the Army’s public information wing posted on social media platform X.
The arrival of the Apaches marks a significant addition to India’s defense arsenal. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the induction, saying the helicopters would enhance the Army’s effectiveness in challenging terrain. “A proud moment reflecting our commitment to modernising the Armed Forces,” Singh said on X.
The delivery follows a phone conversation earlier this month between Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, during which the two reviewed bilateral defence cooperation. Washington had assured New Delhi of expedited delivery of the first batch, with the next three helicopters scheduled to arrive by November.
The Apaches were delivered 15 months behind the original May 2024 schedule due to global supply chain disruptions, officials said.
India signed a $600 million agreement with the U.S. in 2020 to procure six AH-64E Apaches for the Army. The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of Apaches, which are equipped with advanced sensors, weapons systems, and long-range targeting capabilities.
The AH-64E Apache, built by Boeing, is considered one of the most lethal attack helicopters in the world, capable of performing a range of missions in high-threat environments.
