Apache Attack Helicopters Join Indian Army Fleet, First Batch Lands at Hindon

New Delhi: After months of anticipation, the Indian Army on Tuesday received the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, marking a key upgrade to its combat aviation capabilities. The aircraft landed at Hindon Airbase, bringing India closer to deploying one of the most advanced combat helicopters in the world.

Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, the helicopters are part of a $800 million deal signed between India and the US in February 2020. Under the agreement, the Indian Army will receive a total of six Apache helicopters, with the remaining three expected to arrive in the coming months.

The arrival was officially confirmed by the Indian Army, which termed it a “milestone moment” in a post on social media. “These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly,” the post added.

Designed for high-performance combat missions, the AH-64E Apache comes equipped with Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun capable of firing up to 650 rounds per minute. With its agility, advanced sensors, and formidable weaponry, the Apache is often referred to as a “flying tank.”

Key specifications of the AH-64E include:

Primary Mission Gross Weight: 15,075 lbs (6,838 kg)

Maximum Operating Weight: 23,000 lbs (10,432 kg)

Climb Rate: Over 2,800 feet per minute

Top Speed: 150+ knots (around 280 km/h)

The induction of these helicopters comes at a time when India continues to address security challenges on multiple fronts — including ongoing tensions along the Western border with Pakistan and the Northern frontier with China. The Apaches are expected to provide critical support in both offensive and defensive operations, especially in rugged terrain and high-altitude regions.

The timing of the delivery also coincides with Operation Sindoor, further highlighting the strategic significance of this deployment.

In preparation for the arrival, the Indian Army established its first Apache unit — the 451 Army Aviation Squadron — in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, earlier this year. The squadron will operate and maintain the newly inducted helicopters.

Notably, the Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters acquired under a separate 2015 agreement. The Army’s own acquisition was influenced by the IAF’s experience and operational success with the platform.

With three Apaches now on Indian soil, the Army moves a step closer to full operational deployment of its attack helicopter wing, a critical component in modern battlefield readiness.