Blades of fury: Why Apache's arrival is milestone moment for Army

India Today

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First order in March 2024, a long wait of 15 months, and a milestone moment - the Indian Army's long wait finally came to an end on Tuesday when the first batch of Apache helicopters arrived at Hindon airbase to be deployed in Jodhpur. Painted in desert camouflage, the three choppers emerged from a US military cargo plane, signalling a major boost to the Army's combat capabilities.advertisementBoeing delivered the AH-64E Apache choppers, one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, as part of a contract to supply six helicopters to the Indian Army.In 2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 E-model Apaches to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and signed a contract to supply six AH-64Es for the Indian Army. The delivery of the Indian Army's Apaches was scheduled to begin in 2024 but was repeatedly delayed due to technical reasons.
The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army.WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT APACHE?The Indian Army, while sharing pictures of the choppers, hailed the arrival as "milestone moment" and said it will bolster Army's operational capabilities."These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly," the Army said in a social media post.
The Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are intended to support the Army's crucial operations on the Western front. These advanced choppers are known for their agility, firepower, and advanced targeting systems. Unsurprisingly, the Army requires these attack helicopters as a major component of its arsenal.The American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter is primarily used for attack and reconnaissance. It is a lethal, survivable and agile system providing the reach, maneuverability and performance needed by ground forces and contributes to current and future joint mission success.Boeing describes it as, "The world's most advanced, proven attack helicopter for the US Army and a growing number of international defense forces".
The Apache is heavily armed, equipped with a 30 mm M230 chain gun for close combat, 70 mm Hydra rockets for area suppression, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles capable of taking out armoured vehicles and tanks from over six kilometres away. It also carries air-to-air Stinger missiles to counter aerial threats such as helicopters and UAVs, making it a versatile and lethal platform. The Indian Army and IAF operate identical variants of the Apache.Advanced firepower: Armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets, the Apache delivers devastating firepower across a range of combat scenarios.All-weather warrior: Thanks to cutting-edge sensors and targeting systems, the Apache is fully operational around the clock—day or night, in rain, fog, or dust.Built to survive, made to manoeuvre: Engineered to endure small arms fire and harsh conditions, the Apache combines toughness with exceptional agility, excelling in complex battlefield environments.Dual controls, maximum flexibility: Featuring tandem seating for two, both crew members are capable of piloting and controlling weapon systems, enhancing mission versatility and combat resilience.Battle-tested and trusted: With a legacy spanning over 40 years, the Apache has played a vital role in every major U.S. military operation since the 1980s, proving its reliability and effectiveness in real-world combat.- EndsTrending Reel