Latest news with #AH-64Es
India Today
a day ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Blades of fury: Why Apache's arrival is milestone moment for Army
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 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 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 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 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 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 firepower: Armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra 70 rockets, the Apache delivers devastating firepower across a range of combat warrior: Thanks to cutting-edge sensors and targeting systems, the Apache is fully operational around the clock—day or night, in rain, fog, or 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 controls, maximum flexibility: Featuring tandem seating for two, both crew members are capable of piloting and controlling weapon systems, enhancing mission versatility and combat 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
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
10 Reasons Why Apache Helicopter Is Considered One Of The Deadliest In World
New Delhi: In a big boost to the army's offensive capability and reconnaissance operations, India received its first consignment of long-awaited Apache attack helicopters from the US today. Also known as the 'tanks in the air', the AH-64Es landed at the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Hindon Air Force Station. According to sources associated with defence and security establishments, the helicopters will be deployed on the Pakistan border. This is the first time the Indian Army will operate the Apache helicopters. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 of the heavy attack helicopters. Here are 10 reasons why the Apache helicopters are considered one of the deadliest: The Apache helicopter is the most modern configuration of the Apache and is ready for the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) battlefield. The MDO refers to a concept where military forces integrate activities across multiple domains (land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace) to achieve strategic and operational objectives. Designed for interoperability within the MDO ecosystem, AH-64E 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 said in a statement. The helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems that provide accurate data on the target in all weather conditions. They have night vision navigation systems, which will make the offensive capabilities of the army even more effective. According to Boeing, the Apache helicopters have a network-centric, fully integrated weapon system specifically built to dominate in highly contested and complex battle space. These include multiple enhancements to the aircraft's sensors, software, and weapons performance. The Apache helicopters can be used not only to attack, but also in security, reconnaissance, and peace operations. AH-64Es can provide and integrate advanced capabilities through a layered effect of on-board and off-board sensors, stand-off long-range weapons, and the connectivity required to use all the tools the ecosystem can bring. "This is a fully integrated, optimized for battle attack helicopter that is truly in a class by itself," Boeing said. The helicopters can control unmanned aerial vehicles and have powerful T700-GE-701D engines with upgraded face gearopens in a new tab transmission to accommodate more power, Boeing said. The standard crew size of the helicopters is two. Its maximum operating weight is around 10,432 kg. Boeing delivered the first US Army Apache AH-64A in January 1984. Since then, the US Army and other nations have received more than 2,700 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. Boeing's global customers for the Apache include India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India likely to get 3 Apache attack choppers from US for its Army on July 21
File photo: Apache attack helicopter NEW DELHI: The first consignment of three Apache attack helicopters from the US for the Indian Army is likely to reach the country on July 21 that will enhance the combat strength of the land force. The AH-64E, also known as 'tanks in the air' due to its heavy-duty firepower, will be delivered to the Hindon Air Force Station on July 21. The remaining three helicopters are expected to be delivered by the end of the year. Previously, IAF had purchased 22 Apaches under a deal with the US govt and Boeing in 2015. The US completed delivery of all 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Two squadrons of the IAF are already active — one located in Pathankot, which houses the first eight Apache helicopters and the other one in Jorhat, operating as HU-137 Squadron. Later in the year, when US President Donald Trump, during his first term, visited India, New Delhi signed a deal worth $600 million to buy six Apache helicopters. The Army formed its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur over 15 months ago but its deployment was delayed due to global supply chain issues and shifting geopolitical climate. These helicopters were earlier scheduled to arrive between May and June 2024, but the deployment was delayed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like "혈액순환 대박입니다!'' 특허 받은 ''이것'',,면역력, 혈행, 활력 싹~ 20대처럼 가뿐해져!! 카이스트 건강비결 더 알아보기 Undo Capable of carrying out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operating in hostile airspace with threats from ground, the addition of these attack helicopters to the Indian Army will provide a combative edge to India in any future joint operations as the IAF already has AH-64Es squadrons. The AH-64E Apache, also known as the Apache Guardian, is a highly advanced, multi-role combat helicopter known for its enhanced capabilities in network-centric and multi-domain warfare. Apache helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems that provide accurate data on the target in all weather conditions. They also have night vision navigation systems, which will make the offensive capabilities of the Army even more effective.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
India To Get 3 Apache Helicopters Next Week, To Be Deployed On Pak Border
New Delhi: In a big boost to the army's offensive capability and reconnaissance operations, India is set to receive the first consignment of long-awaited Apache attack helicopters from the United States on July 21. According to sources associated with defence and security establishments, the helicopters will be deployed on the Pakistan border. Also known as the 'tanks in the air', the AH-64Es advanced attack helicopters will land at the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Hindon Air Force Station. This comes over 15 months after the army raised its first Apache squadron in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. However, the deployment of the helicopters kept getting postponed due to the disruption in the supply chain and rapid changes in the global geopolitical situation. Two squadrons of the Indian Air Force are already active - one in Pathankot and the other in Jorhat. Previously, the Indian Air Force had purchased 22 Apache helicopters under a deal with the US government and Boeing in 2015. The US completed delivery of all 22 Apache attack helicopters to the IAF in July 2020. Later in the year, when US President Donald Trump (during his first term) visited India, New Delhi signed a deal worth $600 million to buy six Apache helicopters. Under this, the first consignment was to be delivered to India between May and June 2024. However, the deployment was delayed. In 2023, the Indian Army got its first AH-64 Apache helicopter delivered from Hyderabad's Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Boeing. Apache helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems that provide accurate data on the target in all weather conditions. They also have night vision navigation systems, which will make the offensive capabilities of the army even more effective. Additionally, they also include the latest communication, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems. The Apache helicopters can be used not only to attack, but also in security, reconnaissance, and peace operations.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Game over for helicopters? South Korea just scrapped $2.2 billion US Apache choppers — reason will shock you
South Korea cancels AH-64 Apache deal — is this the beginning of the end for attack helicopters?- South Korea's decision to cancel its $2.2 billion plan to purchase 36 additional AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters has sparked intense debate about the future of traditional attack helicopters in modern warfare. The canceled order would have doubled the Republic of Korea's current fleet, which already includes 36 Apaches. Now, with changing battlefield dynamics, rising costs, and the growing threat of drones and advanced air defense systems, South Korea is shifting its focus — and its budget — toward unmanned systems and next-generation warfare. Why did South Korea cancel its $2.2B Apache helicopter order? The primary reason behind South Korea's decision lies in the dramatic cost increase and budget constraints. According to The Korea Times, the follow-up deal for 36 new AH-64Es faced a 66% rise in cost compared to the first batch purchased a decade ago. This steep hike, coupled with near-zero funding in a supplemental budget approved last Friday, effectively killed the deal. National Assembly member Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party pointed out that modern air defense systems, drones, and loitering munitions — seen in real-time warfare like the Russia-Ukraine conflict — have exposed helicopters' growing vulnerabilities. 'Drones and smart systems are redefining modern battlefields,' he told The Korea Times . 'Rather than clinging to expensive legacy platforms, we must invest in capabilities that reflect the future of warfare.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Shooter Action MMO Crossout Play Now Undo Did Trump's 25% tariffs cause South Korea to cancel the Apache deal? Despite speculation, Trump's 25% tariffs were not the reason South Korea scrapped its $2.2 billion deal for 36 U.S.-made Apache AH‑64E helicopters. The real factors were far more immediate and strategic: Tariffs didn't apply to this deal Trump's new tariffs mainly target industrial imports like steel, cars, and electronics—not large military purchases. The U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) already exempts most traded goods, especially defense equipment, from such duties. Live Events So why did South Korea back out? Skyrocketing costs : The per-unit price jumped nearly 66%, from around ₩44.1 billion to ₩73.3 billion (~US $52 million each). Budget slashed : South Korea's National Assembly cut funding for the Apache program from KR₩100 billion to just ₩300 million. Warfare lessons from Ukraine : Apache helicopters were found vulnerable to drones and portable missiles. Lawmakers now favor investing in unmanned drones, AI systems , and hybrid tech over traditional manned attack helicopters. What about Trump's tariffs? South Korea is currently in urgent trade talks with Washington to avoid the broader impact of the August 1 tariff rollout. But this defense cancellation happened independently, due to cost issues and shifting battlefield strategy, not tariffs. Are attack helicopters still relevant in modern warfare? The Apache is not obsolete, but the way it fits into today's battlespace is changing. Attack helicopters like the AH-64 fly low and slow, making them easier targets for MANPADS (man-portable air defense systems), mobile surface-to-air missiles, and anti-aircraft artillery — many of which are becoming increasingly widespread. In Ukraine, videos have shown multiple Russian helicopters, including the Mi-24/35 and Mi-28, being destroyed by low-cost drones and shoulder-fired missiles. These real-world losses make clear how dangerous modern airspace has become for traditional rotorcraft. Additionally, cheap loitering munitions, or 'kamikaze drones,' pose a significant threat. These weapons can hover, wait, and strike helicopters mid-flight. On May 22, 2025, footage shared by @Asia_Intel showed a helicopter struck by a First-Person View (FPV) drone — a tactic that's becoming more common. Can attack helicopters survive in high-threat zones anymore? Helicopters once relied on terrain masking and radar horizon limitations to stay safe. But with advanced look-down radars, networked sensors, and long-range counter-air missiles, even these survival tactics are losing effectiveness. New technologies like Air-Launched Effects (ALEs) — which can jam or distract enemy radar — and improved electronic warfare systems help, but they aren't enough to counter all the risks. In many modern combat zones, simply getting close enough to engage the enemy can be a death sentence for helicopters. The U.S. Army has already begun pivoting in response to these challenges. Instead of expanding traditional helicopter fleets, it's focusing on next-gen aircraft like the V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor aircraft offering greater speed and survivability than traditional helos. What does this mean for the future of the U.S. Apache fleet? The U.S. Army currently operates around 825 AH-64 Apaches, but that number may not hold steady. As warfare evolves, defense priorities are shifting toward drones, autonomous systems, and long-range precision weapons. The Apache fleet may be trimmed and rebalanced with newer tools better suited to contested environments. South Korea's decision could serve as a test case or even a preview of what's to come for other militaries, including the United States. As budgets tighten and technology advances, the high cost and high risk of traditional helicopters could prompt more countries to downsize their rotary-wing forces. What alternatives is South Korea turning to instead? Rather than expanding its Apache fleet, South Korea is redirecting funds toward unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and AI-driven weapons systems. These include one-way attack drones with autonomous targeting capabilities — tools that can strike without a human operator at the controls. South Korea already deploys some of these systems, and more advanced versions are under development. On the rotary side, South Korea still retains indigenous platforms like the Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) and Light Attack Helicopter (LAH). Though less capable than the Apache, these can supplement existing fleets at lower cost and potentially lower risk. Overview of the AH-64 Apache Full Name : Boeing AH-64 Apache Role : Twin-engine attack helicopter Global Operators Country Fleet Size Notes United States ~800+ Largest operator; transitioning to AH-64E South Korea 36 AH-64E variant India 22 + 6 AH-64E for Air Force and Army UK 67 British Army (Apache AH1, upgrading to E) Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Netherlands, Egypt, Israel Various Cost and Contracts Unit Cost (AH-64E) : Initial Export: ~$31–35 million (2015–2020) 2025 Estimate (South Korea 2nd batch): ~$52 million per unit Lifetime Cost (incl. maintenance/training) : Can exceed $100 million per helicopter Is this the beginning of a broader military transformation? South Korea's Apache cancellation isn't just about money — it reflects a deeper shift in how modern wars will be fought. Drones, smart munitions, and networked battlefield awareness are rewriting the rules. The Apache still has a role to play, especially in combined arms warfare, but large, expensive fleets of traditional helicopters may be a thing of the past. FAQs: Q1: Why did South Korea cancel its Apache helicopter deal? Due to rising costs and increased risks from drones and modern air defenses. Q2: What will replace South Korea's canceled Apache order? South Korea plans to invest in drones, AI systems, and smart one-way attack weapons.
