New Delhi: The Indian Army may finally receive the first batch of Boeing Apache AH-64E attack helicopters by the end of this year or early next year. This development comes after prolonged and unexplained delays, and repeated concerns raised at various levels by New Delhi. The unwarranted delays have impacted the operational readiness of India’s defence forces.
The initial batch is expected to comprise three Apache helicopters. The remaining three helicopters are projected to arrive in India three to four months after the delivery of the first batch, according to sources within the defence establishment. However, officials in the defence department are cautiously hopeful about this updated schedule, given Boeing’s history of not meeting its previously committed timelines.
During the visit of former American President Donald Trump to India, the procurement deal of these helicopters, worth $ 800 million was signed in February 2020. At the time of signing, Boeing had committed to delivering all six helicopters by February 2024. The new timeline suggests a significant delay, with the helicopters unlikely to arrive until at least a year after the original deadline.
Seen as a significant setback, the delayed arrival of these advanced helicopters might impact future procurement contracts with Boeing. The Indian Army’s planned deployment of these helicopters with its newly established 451 Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, would have provided strategic advantages considering the border situation. This squadron was raised in March 2024 with the expectation of receiving these helicopters according to the original schedule. The Indian Air Force has already received 22 Apache helicopters as part of a separate deal finalised in September 2015, the last of which were delivered in July 2021.
India was the 16th country to operate these helicopters. The global customer base for the Apache includes 18 countries. Last month, Poland became the latest country to acquire AH-64E Apache helicopters. Recently, the US State Department also approved South Korea’s request to purchase 36 AH-64E Apache helicopters.
Raksha Anirveda's editorial desk team brings in the collective experience of creative professionals - a fine mix of senior copy editors, writers, proofreaders and designers. Working as a team, they continuously create, manage, and curate content to sustain the magazine's profile and reputation in line with market trends and achieve magazine's goal.
