India Likely To Buy Additional Apache Helicopters

The Indian Army plans to acquire an unspecified number of Boeing’s AH-64D Apache attack helicopters for its Mountain Corps, according to Defense News.

According to reports, the MoD is considering a repeat order over a new bid, which could be finalized by the end of the year. However, the size of the order is not known yet.

In 2012, the Indian Air Force awarded Boeing a $1.3 billion contract for the purchase of 22 Apache helicopters. 

Over the last four years, India has bought 10 Boeing C-17 aircraft, 12 Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and six Lockheed Martin C-130J transport planes from U.S companies in contracts worth $8 billion. 

The Indian Army has said that it wants the Apaches to be exclusive to the service and not associated with the Air Force’s 22 helicopters. An army official said the newly sanctioned Mountain Corps of roughly 30,000 troops, which could be deployed along the China border, would also be equipped with yet another purchase of attack helicopters.

The attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps would be in addition to the order being considered by the MoD for the Army. The Indian Army, however, must still decide when and how to procure the additional unspecified numbers of attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps, which is expected to be in operation in about 10 years, the report added.

Meanwhile, India has developed an indigenous light combat helicopter. HAL will build 60 Rudra helicopters for the Army and Air Force.

The Rudra is powered by a new Shakti engine, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and French engine manufacturer Turbomeca. The new engine will allow the Rudra to fly above 20,000 feet.