In a huge boost to its air strike capabilities, the Indian Army has officially inducted the first three AH-64E Apache gunship helicopters received from the United States.
The helicopters were formally inducted into service on July 22, 2025, at the Hindon Air Force Station in Delhi.
The delivery marks a milestone in India's defense modernization program, though it came more than 15 months behind schedule.
Originally slated for arrival between May and June 2024, the helicopters’ shipment was impacted by global supply chain bottlenecks and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The new additions are part of a $600 million deal signed in 2020 to procure six Apache helicopters specifically for the Army.
The Apache squadron, which was raised at Jodhpur in Rajasthan a year ago, had been on the backburner waiting for these advanced helicopters to arrive. With their induction, the squadron is now in a position to begin full operational deployment.
The AH-64E Apache, manufactured by U.S. aerospace major Boeing, is considered one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It has state-of-the-art targeting systems, secure communication networks, and advanced avionics. The helicopter is equipped with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hellfire anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, and the Longbow fire control radar—enabling it to deliver precision strikes irrespective of weather conditions, day or night. These helicopters are likely to be pivotal in augmenting India's offensive stance along its western flank.
India's ride on the Apache platform started a decade back. The Indian Air Force purchased 22 of these helicopters under an agreement in 2015, all of which were delivered by 2020 and are in operation with two squadrons. The Army's independent purchase of six Apaches marks a change of strategy to equip ground troops with their own close air support and recon capability.
The other three helicopters from this Army-exclusive deal are set to be delivered before 2025's end.
In the meantime, in a recent top-level meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to discuss speeding up the Apache deliveries and clearing delays in the supply of GE F404 jet engines for the indigenous LCA Tejas project. Singh had called it an "excellent discussion" and had stressed its significance in cementing India–U.S. defence relations.
Although U.S.-born Apaches are augmenting India's high-altitude combat capabilities, the nation is also spending big on indigenously produced defense equipment. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is now producing the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand, which is specially designed for high-altitude operations. In March 2025, a deal for ₹62,700 crore was signed to supply 156 units—divided between the Indian Air Force and Army.
Together, the indigenous Prachand and Apache helicopters present a multi-layered, complementary approach to modernizing and strengthening the Army Aviation Corps to be ready across diversified terrains and mission profiles.
