Indian Army Receives First Batch Of Apache Helicopters

The Indian Army is poised to receive its first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from American aerospace giant Boeing. According to sources, three Apache helicopters are expected to land at the Hindon Airbase on Monday. These combat helicopters will be deployed at the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps base in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. While the Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters stationed at Pathankot in Punjab and Jorhat in Assam, this will be the first time the Indian Army will have its own fleet.

Apache Induction Delayed by Over a Year In 2020, the Ministry of Defence signed a deal with the United States to procure six Apache helicopters for the Army at a cost of approximately $800 million (around ₹7,000 crore). The delivery of these helicopters was initially scheduled for 2024. However, the deal has been delayed by nearly 15 months.

Sources familiar with the matter informed that the remaining three helicopters under this contract are also expected to arrive within this calendar year.