After delay, India may get 1st batch of Apache choppers from US by July-end
The development comes to light a day after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a telephonic call with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, sought fast-tracking deliveries of the combat helicopters as well as GE F404 engines, which will power India's LCA Tejas.
Sources said that once the choppers are delivered, a joint receipt inspection will be carried out in India by the representatives of the original equipment manufacturer and the Army.
In 2020, India and the United States signed a contract to procure six additional Apache helicopters for the Army, following a contract to procure 22 helicopters for the Indian Air Force in 2015. All 22 helicopters for the IAF have been delivered.
The six helicopters were scheduled to be delivered in three batches by last year. The delays have been attributed to technical and supply chain issues.
The development would be significant given that it gives more teeth to the Army as it looks to strengthen its combat capabilities over the next few months through a range of critical procurements in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which India launched against terror infrastructures in Pakistan.
The six new Apache attack helicopters will be based at Jodhpur in Rajasthan for deployment along the western borders along Pakistan. The Apache squadron in Jodhpur was established last year by the Army Aviation Corps.
Apart from Apache helicopters, the Army and the IAF also have the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand.
In March, the Ministry of Defence signed two contracts with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 156 LCH Prachand, along with training and other associated equipment worth Rs 62,700 crore. The first contract is for the supply of 66 LCHs to the IAF, and the second is for the supply of 90 LCHs to the Army.
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