NEW DELHI, December 17 (ANI): The U.S. Embassy in India on Wednesday welcomed the arrival of the final batch of Boeing India AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army, calling it the fulfillment of commitments made under the U.S.-India defense partnership after repeated delivery delays.
In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy said the delivery marked progress on the joint statement issued by the U.S. President and the Prime Minister’s Office of India.
“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 U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing U.S.-India defense partnership and fulfills commitments made by the U.S. Secretary of Defense and India’s Ministry of Defence. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in co-production, training, and technology exchange,” the Embassy said.
The Indian Army recently received the remaining three Apache attack helicopters, completing the delivery of all six aircraft contracted for the Army Aviation Corps. According to the Army, the helicopters will be deployed after assembly, joint inspections, and completion of other formalities, and will be based in Jodhpur.
Under earlier timelines, the first batch of Apache helicopters was expected to arrive around February or March this year. However, the first helicopters reached India only in July. Initial projections had suggested deliveries would begin in 2023, later revised to 2024, followed by further delays.
The Indian Army is steadily expanding its firepower in the attack helicopter segment and is also set to induct 90 indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters, Prachand. The Army Aviation Corps also operates the weapon systems–integrated version of the Advanced Light Helicopter, known as Rudra.
The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters deployed in Ladakh and western sectors.
The Apache can carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and air-to-air Stinger missiles. It is also equipped with a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of its area weapon subsystem.
The helicopter is fitted with the Longbow fire control radar. Boeing has said the Apache is the only attack helicopter in the world equipped with a fire control radar that provides 360-degree coverage, along with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night-vision operations.
The Boeing AH-64E is the most advanced configuration of the Apache and is designed for multi-domain operations. The AH-64E Version 6 includes upgrades to sensors, software, and weapons performance.
Built for interoperability within a multi-domain operations environment, the AH-64E v6 is designed to operate in highly contested and complex battle spaces, integrating onboard and offboard sensors, long-range stand-off weapons, and network connectivity to support joint operations.
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