New Delhi [India], December 17 (ANI): The United States on Wednesday welcomed the arrival of the final batch of Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army, describing the delivery as a fulfilment of commitments made under the India-US defence partnership.
In a post on X, the US Embassy in India said the delivery marked tangible progress on the joint statement issued by the US President and the Prime Minister of India, underscoring the strength and reliability of bilateral defence cooperation.
“Delivering on the POTUS and PMO India joint statement, the arrival of the latest Boeing India AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army marks another step forward in the US-India Major Defense Partnership,” the embassy said. “This milestone reflects our growing defence relationship and fulfils commitments made by the US Secretary of Defense and India’s Ministry of Defence. The Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange.”
The Indian Army has now received all six Apache helicopters contracted for the Army Aviation Corps. According to the Army, the helicopters will be deployed after completion of assembly, joint inspections, and other formalities, and will be based in Jodhpur.
The deliveries had faced multiple delays. Earlier timelines had projected the arrival of the first batch in early 2025, with full delivery originally expected as early as 2023. However, the first helicopters reached India only in July this year, with the final three completing the process now.
The Indian Army is steadily enhancing its attack helicopter capabilities and is also set to induct 90 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand. In addition, the Army Aviation Corps operates the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra. The Indian Air Force already fields a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, deployed across Ladakh and western sectors.
The Apache helicopter is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and Stinger air-to-air missiles, along with a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds. It is equipped with the Longbow fire control radar, offering 360-degree coverage, and a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night operations.
The AH-64E, the most advanced variant of the Apache, is designed for modern Multi-Domain Operations. The Version 6 configuration includes upgrades to sensors, software, and weapons performance, enabling interoperability in highly contested and complex battle environments through advanced networking and long-range stand-off capabilities. (ANI)
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