In a major milestone for India’s military capability, the Indian Army inducted the first batch of Apache helicopters developed by Boeing. These state-of-the-art choppers are expected to significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.
Boeing delivered the AH-64E Apache choppers, known as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, as part of a contract to supply six helicopters to the Indian Army.
Other procedures, such as assembling, the Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI), and induction, would be followed as per the protocol.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army.
India has now joined the likes of the United States, the UK, Israel and Egypt to use the Boeing-made Apache choppers. These helicopters are armed with a powerful 30 mm chain gun, laser and radar-guided Hellfire missiles for precision strikes, and rocket pods capable of engaging multiple ground targets.
“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," said the Indian Army on X.
India first acquired 22 Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force under a 2015 agreement, which have been deployed in Ladakh and western sectors. The six new ones being inducted are for the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps.
