Apache Boost for Army Aviation

Why in News ?

The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its six-helicopter fleet under a 2020 procurement deal. The helicopters will be inducted into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, significantly enhancing the Army’s combat aviation capabilities.

Background and Context

India has been steadily upgrading its rotary-wing combat fleet to meet evolving battlefield requirements, particularly along its western and northern borders. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted AH-64E Apaches earlier, this marks a key milestone for the Army Aviation Corps, which is transitioning from light utility roles to offensive combat operations.

The acquisition reflects:

• Growing emphasis on jointness between the Army and Air Force
• Need for precision strike, close air support, and battlefield dominance
• Strengthening of India–US defence cooperation under platforms like DTTI

About AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

• Type: Multi-role attack helicopter
• Also Known As: Apache Guardian
• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• Latest Variant: AH-64E (used by the US Army)

Global Operators

India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, UK, among others.

Apache Helicopters in Indian Armed Forces

• Indian Army: 6 AH-64E Apaches (451 Army Aviation Squadron, Jodhpur)
• Indian Air Force: 22 AH-64E Apaches
• Procurement Deal: Signed in 2020
• Delivery Timeline:
  • First batch: July 2025
  • Final batch: Recently delivered (delayed by ~15 months)

Key Features and Capabilities

• Maximum Speed: ~300 km/h
• Engines: Twin-engine configuration
• Weapons Suite:
  • Hellfire anti-tank missiles
  • 30 mm chain gun
  • Stinger short-range air-to-air missiles
• Advanced Sensors:
  • Longbow fire-control radar
  • Integrated infrared laser for target designation
  • Enhanced night-fighting and all-weather capability
• Combat Edge:
  • Can track up to 128 targets per minute
  • Prioritises threats automatically
  • Capable of controlling unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for network-centric warfare

Why Apaches Matter for India

• Close Air Support: Vital in high-intensity and sub-conventional operations
• Precision Strike Capability: Effective against armour, troop formations, and logistics hubs
• Force Multiplier: Enhances Army–Air Force interoperability
• Deterrence Value: Strengthens India’s offensive posture along sensitive borders

The induction also complements India’s push for indigenous platforms like the LCH Prachand, with plans to induct around 90 more LCH helicopters in the coming years.

Challenges and Delays

• Delivery delays caused by global supply-chain disruptions
• Squadron activation delayed since March 2024, making the final induction a critical operational milestone