An important milestone in India’s military modernization efforts along its western border with Pakistan is due to be reached this month when the country finally receives its first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States, following a protracted delay of more than 15 months.
As India continues to improve its fighting capabilities in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure in May 2025, the delivery comes at a critical moment.
The purchase of these cutting-edge attack helicopters is the result of a significant $600 million agreement between the US and India in 2020 for six Apache AH-64E helicopters intended for the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps.
Delivery was initially planned for May–June 2024, but supply chain interruptions caused the deadline to be moved to December 2024. Then, technical difficulties on the US side caused further delays.
The first three helicopters are anticipated to be delivered in July 2025, according to sources from the Defense Ministry. The remaining three helicopters are slated to arrive later this year. In addition to India’s initial poor ranking in the US Defence Priorities and Allocations Systems Program, the delays have been ascribed to Boeing’s stringent testing processes to address safety concerns, such as electrical power generator failures that could result in dangerous cockpit smoke.
In March 2024, the Aviation Corps of the Indian Army formed its first Apache squadron in Nagtalao in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, which is ideally situated close to the Pakistani border. However, because the actual helicopters are not there, the squadron has been non-operational for more than 15 months even though it is operationally established with trained pilots and ground staff. In order to neutralize armoured threats and provide close air support along the western front, the 451 Aviation Squadron was established expressly to fly these helicopters in Rajasthan’s desert terrain.
One of the most sophisticated multi-role combat helicopters in the world, the Apache AH-64E Guardian is frequently referred to as “flying tanks” because of its remarkable firepower and survivability. These helicopters have sophisticated targeting systems, like as the recognizable Longbow radar above the main rotor blades, which can identify and categorize up to 256 possible targets, show the crew 128 of them, and rank the top 16 threats in a matter of seconds.
The main weaponry consists of a 30mm M230 Chain Gun with a rate of 600–650 rounds per minute, in addition to up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, which are known for their potency against armored targets. Hydra-70 rocket pods and Stinger air-to-air missiles are additional weapons that offer complete battlefield engagement capability. Improved survivability systems, night-fighting and all-weather capabilities, and the capacity to pilot unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance missions are all features of the helicopters.
The Apache’s delivery date aligns with India’s increased emphasis on fortifying its defenses along its western border in the wake of Operation Sindoor, which began on May 7, 2025. In reaction for the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, this concerted military operation targeted nine major terror camps and infrastructure installations throughout Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Using precision-guided weapons, the Indian Air Force carried out the 22-minute mission, which was a major step up in India’s counterterrorism strategy.
With Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighting the need for improved combat capabilities along the western front, the successful completion of Operation Sindoor has strengthened India’s commitment to proactive defence measures. The Indian Army will have expanded offensive capabilities in the arid terrain along the India-Pakistan border thanks to the Apache helicopters, which will be an essential part of this improved defensive posture.
To serve a range of operational needs, the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps maintains a varied fleet of fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, a domestic multi-role helicopter utilized for search and rescue, transport, and reconnaissance, is part of the current fleet. An armed variant of the ALH Dhruv, the Rudra is used as an attack helicopter for close air support and anti-tank operations.
Additionally, the fleet consists of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, a more recent addition built for high-altitude operations and equipped to help ground forces with offensive missions. The Prachand, which can fly up to 6,500 meters (21,300 ft) in height, is India’s own assault helicopter and is a good addition to the imported Apache systems.
While Cheetah and Chetak light utility helicopters provide surveillance, casualty evacuation, and logistics tasks, Mi-17 medium-lift helicopters provide transport capability for troop transport, logistics, and evacuation missions. The corps also operates Dornier 228 light transport aircraft for reconnaissance, logistics, and communication duties.
In keeping with the changing character of contemporary combat, the Aviation Corps has broadened its capabilities to encompass a variety of unmanned aerial vehicles. The fleet consists of Searcher tactical UAVs for short-range surveillance operations and Heron medium-altitude, long-endurance UAVs for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. India’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its military aviation capabilities is demonstrated by the incorporation of UAVs into the Aviation Corps structure.
The purchase of Apache is a component of a larger modernization program for the Aviation Corps of the Indian Army, which is expanding and reforming significantly. The Army intends to create three integrated aviation brigades: one along the western border with Pakistan and two along the Line of Actual Control with China. These brigades will use a variety of platforms, such as the new LCH Prachand systems, domestic Dhruv and Rudra helicopters, and Apache helicopters.
In order to replace the aging fleet and improve operational capabilities, the modernization program also calls for the purchase of some 250 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters. Under the Make in India strategy, the selection process places a strong emphasis on domestic manufacturing, and the Airbus H125, the Russian Kamov-226T, and HAL’s Light Utility Helicopter are among the main candidates.
India’s military capabilities along its western border are greatly improved by the deployment of Apache helicopters, especially in light of the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. The helicopters are perfect for operations in Rajasthan’s border regions because of their sophisticated targeting systems, precision strike capabilities, and capacity to function in arid environments. Their deployment is in line with India’s overarching strategic doctrine, which calls for deterrence while being ready to react quickly to threats in the region.
Despite being one of the newest divisions of the Indian Army, the Aviation Corps has become a vital force multiplier in contemporary combat. India’s military aviation capabilities have advanced significantly with the incorporation of Apache helicopters into this system, offering improved operational flexibility and strategic deterrence along its most vulnerable border areas.
