After Operation Sindoor, as the Army sharpens its combat readiness along the western border, the long-awaited arrival of Apache attack helicopters is finally on the horizon.
Following a delay of over 15 months, the delivery of these advanced combat helicopters—earmarked for deployment on the western front—is expected to begin soon.
The Army Aviation Corps had established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur back in March 2024. However, despite the formation of the unit, the squadron has remained without its attack helicopters for over a year.
The delivery of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters to India from the United States has been repeatedly delayed. Under a $600 million deal signed in 2020, the Indian Army was scheduled to receive six Apache helicopters by May-June 2024. However, due to supply chain disruptions, the timeline was pushed to December 2024.
Sources familiar with the delivery plan now suggest that the first batch may finally be handed over to the Army Aviation Corps later this month.
Originally, the helicopters were to arrive in two batches of three, with the first set expected between May and June 2024. But the delivery has yet to materialise, leaving the Army’s first Apache squadron—raised in March 2024—still waiting for its combat platforms.
With over a year of delays already, the Indian Army remains in anticipation of receiving its first batch of Apaches.
Sources in the Defence Ministry attribute the delay in delivery of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters to technical issues on the US side. The first batch of three helicopters is now expected to arrive in the coming weeks, while the remaining three are scheduled for delivery later this year.
These advanced attack helicopters are intended to play a key role in supporting the Indian Army’s operations along the western front. Known for their agility, firepower, and precision targeting systems, the Apaches are a critical addition to the Army’s combat arsenal.
While the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under a separate 2015 agreement, the Indian Army is still awaiting its first batch under the 2020 $600 million deal.
The Army Aviation Corps, a vital arm of the Indian Army, provides crucial aerial support across a range of missions. With a focus on strengthening deployments along the western border following Operation Sindoor, the absence of the Apaches continues to be felt.
Other key assets in the Army Aviation Corps include
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv
An indigenously developed multi-role helicopter, the ALH Dhruv is employed in a range of missions including transport, reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. The fleet was temporarily grounded earlier this year following the crash of an Indian Coast Guard ALH in January. However, in light of the evolving security situation after the Pahalgam attack, approvals were granted for the resumption of operations.
Rudra
An armed variant of the ALH Dhruv, the Rudra is equipped with a range of weapon systems, making it suitable for close air support and anti-tank operations.
Cheetah and Chetak
These light utility helicopters are primarily used for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and logistical support, especially in high-altitude and remote areas.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
A recent induction, the LCH is specifically designed for high-altitude warfare. It is capable of executing offensive missions in support of ground forces and is optimised for operations in challenging terrain.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft – Dornier 228
A versatile light transport aircraft, the Dornier 228 is employed for reconnaissance, logistics, and communication tasks within the Army’s aviation fleet.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Heron
A medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV used primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance over extended durations and distances.
Searcher
A tactical UAV designed for shorter-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions, providing real-time intelligence to ground forces.
Transport Helicopters
Mi-17
A medium-lift helicopter employed for troop transport, logistical support, and casualty evacuation across diverse operational environments.
Together, these assets enable the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps to carry out a wide spectrum of missions—including battlefield support, intelligence gathering, logistics, and emergency evacuation—substantially boosting operational effectiveness across varied terrains and combat scenarios.
