Indian Army Receives AH-64E Apache Helicopters

The Indian Army took delivery of the final batch of three Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing a six-aircraft fleet contracted from the U.S. under a $600 million deal.

On Tuesday, the aircraft landed at Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad before induction into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron, based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. They will support strike and reconnaissance missions along India’s western sector facing Pakistan.

The Apaches were originally scheduled for delivery in 2023, but the first batch of three aircraft arrived in July. This delay is largely due to global supply chain disruptions.

Logistical issues further affected the final delivery. In November, an Antonov AN-124 cargo aircraft transporting Apaches flew from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona to England for refuelling but was forced to return to the U.S. after Turkey denied overflight clearance, leaving the aircraft grounded for about a week.

Despite phased deliveries and setbacks, the Army formally inducted the helicopters after the initial batch arrived.