Indian Army Set for Airstrike Upgrade with Apache Attack Helicopters

New Delhi/Jodhpur: The Indian Army is gearing up to induct its first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with the formal ceremony expected on July 22, according to defence sources. The helicopters are set to arrive in Jodhpur by July 21, where they will undergo a Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI) before official handover.

These state-of-the-art Apaches are part of a fleet of six being procured under a $600 million deal approved in 2020, specifically for the Army’s Aviation Corps. A dedicated Apache squadron has already been established in Jodhpur to bolster India’s western front.

Manufactured by US defence giant Boeing, the AH-64E Apache is among the most lethal multi-role attack helicopters globally. Known for its high-impact performance in hostile terrain, the Apache is already in service with the US, UK, Israel, and Egypt.

The helicopter is equipped with advanced targeting systems, Hellfire missiles, a 30mm chain gun, and the signature Longbow radar, enabling threat detection without direct exposure. Its reinforced structure and modern avionics ensure survivability, agility, and precision on the battlefield.

This induction marks a major leap in the Army’s combat aviation capabilities, allowing seamless integration of air and ground operations in high-threat zones—previously a domain of the Indian Air Force.