Latest news with #ArmyAviationCorps
India.com
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters The Indian Army has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of its first three Apache helicopters. These advanced combat machines, painted in desert camouflage, arrived in an Antonov transport aircraft and will greatly strengthen India's military power. The helicopters will be stationed in Jodhpur with the Army Aviation Corps, making them perfect 'Desert Guardians' for India's challenging western border region. These Apache AH-64E helicopters represent a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, especially along the Pakistan border. Before entering active service, they will undergo a routine Joint Receipt Inspection. Once approved, they will be immediately ready for real combat operations. The delivery marks an important step in the growing defense partnership between India and the United States, following recent discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about expanding military cooperation. The journey to acquire these helicopters faced challenges. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, supply chain problems caused a 15-month delay. This delivery completes a $600 million deal that India signed with the United States in 2020 for six advanced Apache helicopters specifically for the Army. The remaining three helicopters are expected to arrive by November this year. The Apache helicopter is globally recognized as the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. Made by Boeing in the United States, it excels in various missions from attacking enemy targets to supporting ground troops. The AH-64E version is the newest and most technologically advanced variant, currently used by the U.S. Army and many allied nations including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom. What makes the Apache AH-64E special is its cutting-edge technology. It features an open system design that allows easy upgrades of communication, navigation, and weapon systems. The helicopter has more powerful engines, better digital integration with military systems, and improved survival features to protect crews in dangerous situations. Its advanced targeting systems include special infrared lasers for precise target marking, while multi-spectrum vision combines night vision and thermal imaging for superior visibility in all conditions. The Apache's specifications are impressive. It carries two crew members – a pilot and a co-pilot who also operates weapons. The helicopter measures 17.7 meters in total length and 3.8 meters in height. When empty, it weighs 5,165 kg, but fully loaded for combat, it can weigh up to 8,006 kg. It can fly at speeds up to 269 km/h, has a combat range of 483 km, and can stay airborne for 2.5 hours during missions. The helicopter's weapon systems make it truly formidable. Its main gun is a powerful 30 mm chain gun holding 1,200 bullets. It has four weapon stations that can carry various missiles and rockets. These include Hellfire missiles for destroying tanks and bunkers, Spike and Maverick missiles for long-range ground targets, Stinger missiles for shooting down enemy aircraft, and 70 mm rockets for attacking vehicles and enemy positions. This comprehensive arsenal makes the Apache capable of engaging targets on land, sea, and in the air. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters successfully, proving India's ability to handle these sophisticated machines. The 2020 contract for six additional helicopters for the Army expands India's rotary-wing combat capabilities, giving ground commanders their own air support assets. This dual-service approach maximizes the Apache's potential across different military branches. These acquisitions support India's self-reliance vision in defense manufacturing. While the Apache represents international cooperation, it complements India's indigenous helicopter programs. In 2024, India signed contracts worth over ₹8,000 crore for 34 domestically-built ALH Dhruv helicopters – 25 for the Army and 9 for the Coast Guard. This strategy combines proven international platforms with developing domestic capabilities. The positioning of Apache helicopters in Jodhpur provides strategic advantages. This location offers optimal coverage for western border operations, specialized desert warfare training, and rapid response capability for emerging threats. As 'Desert Guardians,' these helicopters enhance India's offensive power through deep strike missions, close air support for ground troops, anti-armor operations, and advanced reconnaissance using sophisticated sensors. The Apache arrival brings immediate benefits including enhanced deterrence, tactical flexibility, force multiplication effects, and seamless integration with the Air Force's existing Apache fleet. Long-term goals include technology transfer, strengthening industrial partnerships with allies, and contributing to regional stability through defensive strength. The arrival of these Desert Guardians represents more than just adding three helicopters – it marks a significant advancement in India's military modernization. As these Apache AH-64E helicopters begin defending India's western frontier, they combine cutting-edge technology, proven capability, and strategic positioning to serve as guardians of India's sovereignty for decades ahead.
Business Upturn
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Indian Army inducts first batch of Apache helicopters, to be deployed in Jodhpur
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on July 22, 2025, 12:36 IST The Indian Army on Tuesday received its first batch of Apache attack helicopters from the United States, marking what it described as a 'milestone moment' for the Army Aviation Corps. The helicopters arrived in India and will be assembled, undergo Joint Receipt Inspection (JRI), and follow standard induction protocols before deployment. According to officials quoted by ANI, the Apaches are slated to be deployed in Jodhpur, enhancing the Army's operational readiness in the region. Confirming the development, the Indian Army posted on social media platform X: 'Indian Army inducts Apache. Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly.' The induction of these advanced, all-weather, and highly agile combat helicopters is expected to significantly improve the Indian Army's strike capabilities, particularly in high-intensity and challenging terrains. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Army gets first batch of Apache helicopters from U.S.
Indian Army on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) received the first batch of Apache Helicopters from United States at Hindon Airbase. The induction of first batch of three advanced combat helicopters Apache AH-64E will bolster Army operational capabilities along Western Border. It will be deployed in Jodhpur with Army Aviation Corps. Before induction in Jodhpur, the helicopters will undergo a Joint Receipt Inspection before being handed over for immediate operational deployment, as per the protocol. 'Apache for Indian Army. Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly,' posted ADG PI on X. #Apache for Indian Army Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the #IndianArmy significantly.#YearofTechAbsorption… — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 22, 2025 The development comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Both the leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming initiatives to enhance defence cooperation between India and the United States. In the talk, U.S. has assued India of delivering the first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States in two weeks. And next batch of three helicopters will be delivered by November this year. The helicopters were delivered after delay of 15 months as it was scheduled to get delivered in May 2024 but it got delyed due to disruption in supply chain. The Indian Army had signed a USD 600 million deal with the United States in 2020 for six Apache attack helicopters.
News18
16-07-2025
- Business
- News18
India Set To Receive First Consignment Of Apache Helicopters From US By Next Week: Reports
Last Updated: A first batch of advanced Apache attack helicopters is expected to arrive from the US by July 21, boosting the Army Aviation Corps' strike and reconnaissance power. India is slated to receive the first consignment of modern Apache attack helicopters from the United States as soon as next week, The New Indian Express reported. The development would serve as a big boost to the offensive capability and reconnaissance operations of the Indian Army's Aviation Corps (AAC). The report quoted sources and suggested the helicopters are expected to arrive by next Monday (July 21). The helicopters will be deployed along the western border, where troop presence has grown recently in the wake of the 'Operation Sindoor'. Earlier this month, sources had confirmed to CNN-News18 that the first batch of three out of the six Apache helicopters was likely to be delivered to the Indian Army before the end of July. Officials had also expressed hope that the remaining three units of the Boeing AH‑64E Apache helicopters would arrive in India in the next few months, before the end of 2025. In March last year, the Army Aviation Corps signed a contract for 25 new ALH helicopters. The Ministry signed two contracts for a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore for the acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III for the Indian Army (25 ALHs) and Indian Coast Guard (09 ALHs), marking a significant move towards indigenisation in defence manufacturing. The Indian Army's Army Aviation Corps raised its first squadron of Apache attack helicopters in Jodhpur on March 15. Later, the Indian Army signed a contract to acquire six Apache helicopters from the US. However, the delivery of the choppers missed two deadlines. The first batch of choppers was expected to be delivered by June 2024. However, the timeline was pushed to December that year due to supply chain issues. The Indian Air Force already operates the Apache helicopters, a deal for which was signed in 2015, and all 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters have been delivered by 2020 and are operational in the forces. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
02-07-2025
- Business
- News18
India To Receive Apache Choppers, Deployment Near Pakistan Border Likely
Last Updated: The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. The long wait for the arrival of Apache attack helicopters may finally be over as the Indian Army intensifies efforts to strengthen combat capabilities along the western front after Operation Sindoor. Notably, the development comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, during which the two leaders had an 'excellent discussion" reviewing ongoing efforts to strengthen the India-US defence partnership. The delivery of these advanced helicopters—delayed by more than 15 months—is now expected to commence soon, with deployment aimed at reinforcing western border defences. In March 2024, the Army Aviation Corps established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur. However, nearly a year and a half later, the unit remains without the helicopters, which were initially scheduled to arrive much earlier. The AH-64E Apache helicopters, sourced from the United States under a $600 million agreement signed in 2020, were originally slated for delivery by May-June 2024. The timeline was later pushed to December 2024 due to disruptions in the supply chain. Sources familiar with the updated schedule told India Today that the Indian Army's Aviation Corps may receive the first batch of these helicopters later this month. According to the initial plan, six Apaches were to be delivered in two batches of three. The first group was expected between May and June 2024, but as of now, none have reached Indian soil, leaving the newly raised squadron awaiting its core assets. Defence Ministry officials attribute the delay to technical issues on the part of the United States. While the first three helicopters are expected within weeks, the remaining three are anticipated to arrive by the end of the year. These helicopters are integral to operations on the western front, offering superior manoeuvrability, precision weaponry, and advanced targeting technology. The Army considers them a key addition to its operational strength. The Indian Air Force has already received 22 Apache helicopters under a separate contract inked in 2015. In contrast, the Army is still awaiting its consignment to enhance its strike capabilities. The Army Aviation Corps provides crucial support to ground forces, and the Apache helicopters are seen as key to strengthening operations—particularly along the western border, where troop presence has grown recently under Operation Sindoor.
