&w=3840&q=100)
3 Apache attack helicopters set to join Indian Army fleet, arrive in Jodhpur ahead of induction
(File) A Greek Apache helicopter flies as Nato holds training exercise 'Immediate Response' drills with host nations at Krivolak army base, North Macedonia, June 2, 2025. Reuters
Three AH-64E Apache helicopters are set to be formally inducted into the Indian Army in the next two days, with sources indicating July 22 as the likely induction date, news18 reported citing sources.
The helicopters are expected to arrive in Jodhpur by today or tomorrow (July 21), where they will undergo a Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI) before being officially handed over.
These are the first three of six Apache helicopters being procured for the Indian Army's Aviation Corps. A dedicated squadron has already been raised in Jodhpur for their deployment along the western border.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Why the Apache matters
The AH-64E Apache is among the most advanced multi-role attack helicopters in the world, capable of executing high-impact strikes in hostile terrain. Built by US defence firm Boeing, the Apache is already in service with the United States, UK, Israel, Egypt, and now India.
India initially purchased 22 Apaches for the Indian Air Force under a 2015 deal. In February 2020, the Defence Ministry approved a $600 million contract for six more Apaches—this time specifically for the Indian Army. With this, the Army gains direct control of advanced air support capabilities, improving coordination with ground troops in high-threat combat zones.
Boeing had earlier stated: 'This order will expand the Indian Army's capability to provide integrated combat aviation support to land forces.'
What makes the AH-64E powerful
The Apache is packed with cutting-edge tech, including modern communications and navigation systems, upgraded sensors, and advanced weapons. Its standout features include:
Targeting system: The Modernised Target Acquisition Designation System helps pilots lock onto and destroy targets in both day and night, even in low-visibility conditions.
Weaponry: A 30mm chain gun, precision Hellfire missiles (laser- and radar-guided), and rocket pods capable of engaging multiple ground targets.
Longbow radar: Mounted above the rotor, this radar allows the helicopter to detect and prioritise threats without exposing itself directly.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Built for intense battlefield operations, the Apache combines speed, agility, and survivability. Its robust engines, reinforced rotors, and advanced protection systems enable it to fly low, strike hard, and safely return—making it a critical asset for the Indian Army's future combat readiness.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
31 minutes ago
- Mint
Wall Street Live: S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones edge up on US-Japan trade deal
Wall Street equity benchmarks edged higher on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump finalized a trade deal with Japan. At the open, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 158.7 points, or 0.36%, to 44661.12. The S&P 500 rose 17.3 points, or 0.27%, to 6326.9, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 73.8 points, or 0.35%, to 20966.467. The trade deal sets a base tariff of 15% on imports from Japan instead of the 25% threatened by President Donald Trump. Japan's auto sector will see existing tariffs cut to 15% from levies totaling 27.5% earlier. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg Television that Japan received the 15% rate on auto tariffs "because they were willing to provide this innovative financing mechanism" that he did not think other countries could replicate. As per the deal, Japan will buy 100 Boeing jets and raise defense spending with the US firms to $17 billion annually, from $14 billion, news agency Reuters reported citing a White House official. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.37% from 4.35% late on Tuesday. Toymaker Hasbro's stock fell 3% even though it reported a stronger profit for the second quarter. Texas Instruments' stock sank 11.3% despite delivering quarterly results above wall street estimates. Gold prices fell on Wednesday after the US-Japan trade deal. As of 1351 GMT, spot gold was down 0.6% at $3,412.03 per ounce. US gold futures also slipped 0.7% to $3,421.50. Among other metals, spot silver rose to nearly 14-year high, gaining 0.2% to $39.35 per ounce. Platinum fell 1.4% to $1,420.92 and palladium was down 0.4% at $1,269.60. Oil prices continued its decline on Wednesday, as investors assessed global trade development. As of 1246 GMT, Brent crude futures were down 35 cents, or 0.5%, at $68.24 a barrel.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
UK brings Turkey to Eurofighter club with a preliminary deal for Typhoon jets
Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and his British counterpart, John Healey, signed a MOU during a defence industry show in Istanbul, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence read more Turkey, a NATO member, has long sought to purchase 40 Eurofighter planes produced by a collaboration of British, German, and Italian businesses. File image/ AP Turkey and Britain inked a preliminary deal on Wednesday for the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter planes to Turkey, marking a significant step forward in Ankara's goals to modernise its air fleet. Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler and his British counterpart, John Healey, signed a memorandum of understanding during a defence industry show in Istanbul, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. Turkey, a NATO member, has long sought to purchase 40 Eurofighter planes produced by a collaboration of British, German, and Italian businesses. Germany apparently first rejected the transaction but eventually changed its position. Britain oversaw discussions on behalf of the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a statement from Turkey's defence ministry, the pact brings the two countries 'one step closer to a full agreement on the Typhoon.' 'Both Ministers welcome signature as a positive step towards bringing Turkey into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible,' it added. Britain's BAE Systems, a part of the consortium, hailed the agreement and stated that it will continue to work with the Turkish and British governments to finalise the procurement deal. Turkish authorities have stated that they are currently negotiating price and technical details, having received an initial bid and want to submit a counter-proposal. Turkey is also looking to return to the US-led F-35 fighter jet program, from which it was expelled in 2019 after purchasing Russian-made S-400 missile defence systems. The US said the systems presented a threat to the F-35s. Turkey is also building a homegrown fifth-generation fighter plane, the KAAN, which is expected to be operational in 2028.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
The looming Google Earth lens: How India's strategic assets lie exposed, vulnerable to harm
In today's digital age, the lines between convenience and vulnerability are increasingly blurred. Google Earth, a revolutionary mapping tool, has raised concerns about the security of India's military installations and critical infrastructure. The platform's high-resolution satellite imagery has made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to access detailed views of sensitive areas, including military bases, border posts and nuclear president Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was one of the first to sound the alarm about the potential dangers of Google Earth. He expressed concern over the detailed imagery of Indian military installations and nuclear plants, highlighting the risks of terrorism and security issue is not just about military threats from neighbouring countries but also about the potential of terrorist groups using this information for their nefarious designs. A military intelligence officer notes that while the armed forces may have their own means of accessing satellite images, terrorist groups may simply rely on Google Earth to survey army camps or paramilitary argue that India's sensitive sites should be blurred or pixelated on Google Earth, just like it is done for the US, Russia and China. The debate surrounding Google Earth also highlights the need for India to develop its own mapping systems and reduce dependence on public satellite imagery. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, India's ability to safeguard its national security will depend on its capability to adapt to emerging threats and technologies. The threat is clear and present. Type 'India-Pakistan Line of Control' into Google Earth and, in front of you, will appear hundreds of kilometres of the LOC. That too, in three dimensions, with zooming in possible up to 50 metres, allowing one to see Indian Army posts in extraordinary detail. At 50 metres of zoom-in, the images are so clear you can identify trucks stationed at posts, trenches, artillery positions and watchtowers with not that this satellite 3D imagery shows you one static post. Google Earth updates these images every year, sometimes even monthly. There's an option called 'Historical Imagery' that offers visuals of any location, from 1985 through March these continuous updates, it becomes effortless to analyse what construction has occurred on-site year by year, even month by month. Border Security Force (BSF) posts and watchtowers along the LOC are visible through these continually updated images—and can be easily National Remote Sensing Agency and the Advanced Data Processing Research Institute in Hyderabad are responsible for processing of satellite imagery for civil and military use. Both centres are located near the city's National Police Academy, where Dr Kalam, in an address in 2005, had expressed concern over vivid imagery of Indian military installations and nuclear plants on Google do India's clearly visible military installations on Google Earth threaten? A military intelligence officer explains: 'If we perceive Google Earth's unrestricted satellite imagery as a military threat, we are missing the context. China and Pakistan's armed forces have their means of accessing satellite images and don't need Google Earth. But does a small independent terrorist group in Kashmir or Maoists in places such as Gadchiroli or Sukma have their own satellites? If they need to survey an army camp or CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) checkpoint, Google Earth gives them ample opportunity. Who can say with certainty that Google Earth wasn't used in the recent Pahalgam terror attack? Or that Maoists aren't using it against our security forces?'Take the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu, for example. Like other sensitive Indian sites, it can be viewed from 50 metres in high definition on Google Earth. The imagery is so detailed and regularly updated that an ordinary person could deduce from water flow patterns when each reactor is operational. In comparison, France's Cattenom nuclear power plant is blurred entirely on Google the strategic Abdul Kalam Island in Odisha, formerly Wheeler Island, is a prime missile-testing site of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has been off-limits to civilians since identified for defence use. Yet Google Earth allows close-up views, showing every construction detail, including testing pads. By contrast, Russia's secret military island, Jeannette Island, and Australia's Sand Island are entirely blacked out on Google greater concern is not military tensions with Pakistan or China but terrorism,' says an Indian security officer, who did not wish to be named. 'High-resolution maps in the public domain significantly increase security risks. Previously, Pakistani counter-intelligence relied on sleeper cells within India for reconnaissance. These individuals, well-integrated with civilians and sometimes even security personnel, weren't on any watchlist. But today, terrorists don't need that—Google Earth suffices.'Former BSF additional director general S.K. Sood raises a pertinent question. 'How much control does India have over foreign satellite imagery companies really? Sensitive Indian sites shouldn't be in the public domain, but how do we ensure satellite providers comply? If necessary, such apps should be banned entirely,' Sood tells INDIA TODAY.A military intelligence officer adds: 'After the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, Google's high-res images had alarmed security agencies. Talks with Google ensued, urging them to blur sensitive sites, just like other nations do. If unresolved, India must compel Google India to comply through guidelines.'advertisementAmit Singh, associate professor at the Special Centre for National Security Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, concurs. 'For years, Google has provided clear images of Indian defence sites. Modern warfare is about air strikes and missiles, and Google exposes our vulnerabilities. The government must pressure Google to pixelate or blur these images immediately. If not, threaten a ban. Google won't want to lose India's market.''Countries such as US, Russia, China and Japan mask sensitive sites. Why not India? We should develop our own mapping systems, like China and Russia have, to end reliance on Google,' he Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan military conflict, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued a directive on May 20 that commercial flights must keep windows closed during take-off and landing at the four defence-linked airports—Amritsar, Jammu, Srinagar and Jaisalmer. Photos and videos were also banned during these phases to prevent leak of sensitive information. Yet, data on these airports, possibly including fighter stations, air defence systems and drone systems, is already in the public domain and updated the Department of Science And Technology's Survey of India, defence mapping is separate from civilian use. Strategic locations require defence ministry clearance. However, no guidelines addressed third-party providers like Google. The 2016 Pathankot attack revived the 'Geospatial Information Regulation Bill 2016,' but it wasn't passed. In 2021, a list of 51 categories prohibited naming or geo-tagging of locations like air force bases, naval bases, army bases, nuclear plants and LOC zones that could be zoomed in beyond 25 metres. Yet the same year, Google Maps allowed 20-metre Google's policy states sensitive sites won't be public. This applies in Russia, US, China, Japan and France, but seemingly not in TODAY sent queries to the Ministry of Defence and Google—no response has been received Survey of India officially stated to INDIA TODAY that controlling open platform satellite imagery was impractical and that blurring areas could draw attention to sensitive sites. Sharing coordinates with foreign providers for masking was a security risk source intelligence (OSINT) expert Sunny Nehra, who works with the DRDO and other agencies, notes: 'Google Earth remains a primary tool for countless OSINT researchers, later supplemented by paid services like Sentinel. For strategic research against India, neighbours start with Google Earth. Why is India only making requests to Google after so long? Why not take action?'Highlighting threats from free satellite imagery, Nehra adds: 'How will someone know precise coordinates for India's largest ammunition depot? Answer: Google Earth. Search Pulgaon CAD (central ammunition depot) and sensitive ammo depots appear. Such risks require immediate action.'Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
