Army Gets 1st Batch of Apache Helicopters: ‘Tanks In The Air’ Finally Land In India
The Indian Army hailed the delivery of the first batch of Apache helicopters as a "milestone moment". Image Courtesy: Indian Army
In a major milestone moment for the Indian Army, the first batch of Apache helicopters have finally landed in India. The Indian Army on Tuesday (July 22) received the helicopters from the United States, which landed at Hindon.
The army said that these helicopters will be deployed in Jodhpur.
“Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly,” the Indian Army said in a post on X.
What was India-US Apache helicopters deal?
Received after a significant delay, the Apache AH-64E helicopters’ delivery is part of the Indian Army’s $600 million deal with the US signed in 2020. Their pact included 6 Apache attack helicopters, with their delivery initially planned between May and June 2024. The army has now finally gotten the helicopters.
Prior to the $600 million deal in 2020, the Indian Air Force had entered into a pact with the US and Boeing in 2015 for the purchase 22 Apache helicopters. The delivery for the aircraft was completed by July 2020, after which India signed another deal for 6 more Apaches for the Army. The Apache helicopters will be a significant addition to the Army Aviation Corps.
It must be mentioned here that the Indian Army had conducted an internal study in 2022 which suggested that there is a need for 39 Apache helicopters to meet long-term requirements.
What are the features of Apache helicopters?
Often dubbed as the world’s most advanced attack helicopter, Apache is frequently called the tank killers or ‘Tank in the air’. The Apache AH-64E helicopters are widely recognised for their advanced targeting systems, firepower and is designed to deliver powerful strikes. Apache helicopters are made by US giant Boeing.
Armed with a powerful 30 mm chain gun, laser- and radar-guided Hellfire missiles, the Apache helicopter boasts of the Longbow radar, allowing it to detect, track, and prioritise threats without direct exposure.
These helicopters are currently operated by the armed forces of countries like the United States, the UK, Israel, Egypt, and now India.
What other helicopters are in Indian Army’s fleet?
Other than the “tank in the air”, the Indian Army operates several other helicopters like Rudra, which is an armed version of the Dhruv helicopter, used for anti-tank and close air support roles. The Indian Army also has some lighter helicopters such as the Cheetah and Chetak in its fleet, which are majorly used for medical evacuation, logistics, and surveillance mission.
The armed forces also use fixed-wing aircraft like the Dornier 228 for reconnaissance, logistics, and communication. Other than these, UAVs like the Heron and Searcher for surveillance and reconnaissance are also in use currently.
