In a major boost to the Indian Army's offensive strengths, the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) will induct the first batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters next week. The sources confirmed that three out of six helicopters ordered will be arriving by Sunday or Monday.
These cutting-edge helicopters will greatly enhance strike capability, especially along India's western border. The AAC squadron to be equipped with the Apaches was officially formed in March 2024. This article had earlier broken the story of the establishment of the new squadron and what the future held for it in terms of upgrading India's air combat assets.
The induction of Apache fleet in the Army is a result of a bilateral deal signed during then-U.S. President Donald Trump's New Delhi visit in 2020. India agreed to purchase six of these state-of-the-art helicopters for its Army under this agreement. This was preceded by an initial contract signed in 2015, whereby the Indian Air Force (IAF) received 22 Apache helicopters from the American government and Boeing.
Considered to be one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world, the AH-64E Apache is likely to phase out India's aging Mi-35 fleet over time. It has been designed with advanced communication, navigation, and weapon systems appropriate for high-intensity war areas.
Some of its notable features include the advanced Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System (MTADS), which facilitates day, night, and all-weather targeting, and more advanced night vision navigation. The Apache's Fire Control Radar can detect both air and ground targets and is equally reliable in naval environments. Aside from combat missions, the aircraft is also well-adapted for tasks like surveillance, security, and peacekeeping missions.
The IAF initially started inducting Apaches into its fleet in 2019, with the first eight helicopters being inducted into HU 125 Squadron, or the "Gladiators," based at Pathankot Air Base. Subsequently, the second Apache squadron, HU 137 Squadron, was raised at Jorhat in Assam. All 22 Apache helicopters were delivered to the IAF by July 2020.
The deployment of six Apaches to the Army Aviation Corps is a vital milestone of India's continuing military modernization and validates the expanding strategic defense cooperation between India and the United States.
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