In what has been hailed as a "milestone moment for Indian Army," the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrived in India on Tuesday. Boeing delivered the AH-64E Apaches choppers as part of a contract to supply six helicopters to the Indian Army.
Taking to X, the Army said these state-of-the-art platforms will significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the force.
According to defence officials, these AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will be deployed in Jodhpur.
Boeing AH-64 Apache is a highly advanced, twin-engine multi-role attack helicopter. The makers of the aircraft, Boeing, describe it as "the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter." “Apache AH-64E features improved sensors and avionics and is considered to be one of the most advanced multirole combat helicopters in the world,” the company notes.
The Apache attack helicopter can be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral and Sidearm, and the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) family of guided and unguided 70mm rockets. The AH-64E Apache helicopters can also be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s joint-air-to-ground missile (JAGM) system.
The fighter jet is designed with open systems architecture to support long-term plans to position the platform as a key component of the multi-domain operations (MDO) battlefield, the company says. "Its improved modernised target acquisition designation system provides all-weather target information during day and night. The onboard equipment also provides night vision navigation capability. The upgraded fire control radar also enables the maritime targeting mode for the AH-64E."
The induction of these attack helicopters will ensure that the Indian Army can have better coordination and response in high-threat environments with the Indian Air Force, which already operates these.
In 2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 E-model Apaches to the 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.