India Army will receive three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States on July 21, according to an NDTV report. These helicopters will be stationed near the Pakistan border to boost the Army’s offensive and reconnaissance operations. The aircraft will arrive at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. Apaches, the world's most advanced attack helicopter, is often called as the tank killers or ‘Tank in the air'.
This delivery follows a delay caused by global supply chain issues and shifting geopolitical conditions. It comes over 15 months after the Indian Army established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Background on Apache acquisitions and deployment
The Indian Air Force signed a deal with the US and Boeing in 2015 to buy 22 Apache helicopters. The delivery was completed by July 2020. Later in 2020, India signed another deal worth $600 million to buy six more Apaches for the Army.
The first set of helicopters under the second contract was originally scheduled to be delivered between May and June 2024. However, the timeline was pushed back.
Also Read: ‘Third revolution’: CDS Anil Chauhan warns about changing wars, says future belongs to smaller not bigger weapons
Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. During the discussion, Singh requested faster delivery of the Apache helicopters and also flagged the urgent need for GE F404 engines, which are meant for the LCA Tejas fighter jets. Singh said it was an “excellent discussion” aimed at strengthening the India–US defence partnership.
In 2022, the Indian Army conducted an internal study that projected a need for 39 Apache helicopters to meet long-term requirements. The Apache is viewed as a crucial addition to India’s efforts to modernise the Army Aviation Corps.
Other helicopter platforms in operation
Apart from the Apache, the Indian Army operates several other helicopter platforms. These include the Rudra, an armed version of the Dhruv helicopter, used for anti-tank and close air support roles. Lighter helicopters such as the Cheetah and Chetak continue to be deployed for medical evacuation, logistics, and surveillance missions in remote areas.
India is also focusing on indigenous platforms. The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand has been designed to perform in high-altitude environments. In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the production of 156 Prachand helicopters—66 for the Air Force and 90 for the Army.
This delivery follows a delay caused by global supply chain issues and shifting geopolitical conditions. It comes over 15 months after the Indian Army established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Background on Apache acquisitions and deployment
The Indian Air Force signed a deal with the US and Boeing in 2015 to buy 22 Apache helicopters. The delivery was completed by July 2020. Later in 2020, India signed another deal worth $600 million to buy six more Apaches for the Army.
The first set of helicopters under the second contract was originally scheduled to be delivered between May and June 2024. However, the timeline was pushed back.
Also Read: ‘Third revolution’: CDS Anil Chauhan warns about changing wars, says future belongs to smaller not bigger weapons
Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. During the discussion, Singh requested faster delivery of the Apache helicopters and also flagged the urgent need for GE F404 engines, which are meant for the LCA Tejas fighter jets. Singh said it was an “excellent discussion” aimed at strengthening the India–US defence partnership.
In 2022, the Indian Army conducted an internal study that projected a need for 39 Apache helicopters to meet long-term requirements. The Apache is viewed as a crucial addition to India’s efforts to modernise the Army Aviation Corps.
Other helicopter platforms in operation
Apart from the Apache, the Indian Army operates several other helicopter platforms. These include the Rudra, an armed version of the Dhruv helicopter, used for anti-tank and close air support roles. Lighter helicopters such as the Cheetah and Chetak continue to be deployed for medical evacuation, logistics, and surveillance missions in remote areas.
India is also focusing on indigenous platforms. The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand has been designed to perform in high-altitude environments. In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹62,700 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the production of 156 Prachand helicopters—66 for the Air Force and 90 for the Army.
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