Indian Army receives final three Apache helicopters, completes induction of all six

The Indian Army has received the final three Apache AH-64E helicopters, completing the induction of all six attack platforms

PGurus Newsdesk

December 17, 2025

AH-64E Apaches to enhance strike and reconnaissance roles

Final batch of Apache helicopters arrives, boosts Army’s strike capability

The Indian Army has received the remaining three Boeing Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, completing the delivery of all six platforms ordered for the Army Aviation Corps. The helicopters will soon join the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, officials said.

According to the Army, the helicopters were flown to India aboard a heavy-lift Antonov An-124 aircraft and will be deployed at Jodhpur after assembly, joint inspections and completion of mandatory formalities in the coming days.

The Army had received the first batch of three Apache helicopters in July this year, while the remaining three arrived on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a long-delayed delivery process.

The Army’s Apache helicopters made their operational debut during Exercise Maru Jwala, which was conducted as part of the larger tri-services drill Exercise Trishul earlier this year.

With the induction of the Apaches, the Army is steadily enhancing its attack helicopter firepower. The Army Aviation Corps is also set to induct 90 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, while it already operates the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra.

In an earlier statement marking the Army Aviation Corps Raising Day, the Army said the induction of Apache helicopters would significantly enhance its strike, reconnaissance and battlefield support capabilities.

The deliveries were delayed multiple times. Initial timelines had suggested that the first batch would arrive by February–March, with all six helicopters expected by 2023. The schedule was later revised to 2024 before further delays pushed the first delivery to July this year.

After receiving the initial batch, the Indian Army formally inducted the Apache helicopters into its aviation fleet. Calling it a “milestone moment”, the Army said the platforms would “bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly”.

The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters, deployed across Ladakh and western sectors, providing extensive operational experience with the platform.

The Apache AH-64E is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, air-to-air Stinger missiles, and a 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds.

The helicopter is equipped with the Longbow fire control radar, which offers 360-degree coverage, along with a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night operations.

The AH-64E Version 6 is the most advanced variant of the Apache, featuring upgrades to sensors, software, weapons integration and network connectivity. Designed for Multi-Domain Operations, it is optimised to operate in highly contested and complex battle environments, enabling seamless joint operations through integration of onboard and offboard sensors and long-range stand-off weapons.

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