Apache Delivery to Indian Army Faces Further Delay as Boeing's Internal Flight Trials Not Expected Before March 2025, Pushing Delivery to Mid-2025

The Indian Army's acquisition of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters has encountered yet another setback, pushing the delivery date to mid-2025. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, then delayed to December 2024, the helicopters are now expected to begin Boeing's internal flight trials in March 2025, according to a defence source. This indicates a further delay of 2-3 months before the Apaches are finally handed over to the Indian Army.

This delay impacts the $800 million procurement deal signed in February 2020, which was intended to significantly modernize the Indian Army's aviation capabilities. The first batch of three Apaches, out of a total order of six, was eagerly anticipated to bolster the Army's attack helicopter fleet. However, Boeing has been unable to meet the delivery deadlines, citing challenges within the global defence supply chain.

Despite the delays, Boeing has proactively trained six Indian Army pilots and 24 technicians in the United States to operate and maintain these advanced helicopters. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the agreement, which emphasizes not only the acquisition of the helicopters but also personnel training and operational readiness.

The Apaches are slated for deployment in desert regions, where their capabilities against armored threats will be particularly valuable. Equipped with advanced sensors, weaponry, and survivability features, the Apache is a formidable platform for combat operations in such environments.

In anticipation of the Apache's arrival, the Indian Army established the 451 Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur in March 2023. This squadron will be responsible for operating the Apaches, which will become the second type of attack helicopter in the Army's arsenal, alongside the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). This demonstrates the Army's commitment to diversifying its attack helicopter capabilities by incorporating both international and domestic technologies.

While the delays are undoubtedly frustrating, the Indian Army remains committed to acquiring these advanced attack helicopters. The AH-64E Apache is expected to significantly enhance the Army's operational capabilities, providing a crucial advantage in challenging operational environments.

 

[R. Singh]

We need to buy latest version of KA-52 also a war proven combat helicopter !

 

[sanket]

A few days ago, I commented this. It's almost a one-year delay. Engine delivery delayed by GE. The world superpower can't even fulfill orders signed & expects more defence ties & if we try to purchase from Russia, the threat of sanctions. Ha Ha Ha. A well-established ecosystem, skilled manpower, and automation result in delays & some comedian does free PR for the West.

 

[Anonymus]

Russia is in war and under sanctions there delivery gets delayed is understandable but why america is delaying there every delivery and then people write we should buy american weapons over russian.

 

[What the heck]

There is Worldwide supply chain problem.

 

[Instant Karma]

Better we should give more orders for LCH.

 

[GMR]

We will wait till eternity for 6 choppers from wonder land...no worries. But it's below our dignity to order our own LCH.. ironic & pathetic...

 

[Harsh]

Lesson: Don't hitch defense of your country and future to someone else's supply chain problems.

 

[Enforcer]

Better we should give more orders for LCH.

LCH doesn't have anti tank missile yet.

 

[Mithu Roy]

Better we put all our might to develop medium category helicopters.
in the meanwhile focus on LCH prachand

 

[Varaaah]

Supply chain problem? They mean the US is not producing many parts, so it is a US problem. Exactly this Trump wants to tackle.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

I request Dolandji to expedite this order asap. Sir you want Bharat to buy more weapons but you don't deliver on time. GE404, Apache are some examples. Modiji is ready to buy more but deliveries need to happen on time.

 

[Instant Karma]

LCH doesn't have anti tank missile yet.

We can integrate any off the shelves missiles.

 

[Bhishma]

I request Dolandji to expedite this order asap. Sir you want Bharat to buy more weapons but you don't deliver on time. GE404, Apache are some examples. Modiji is ready to buy more but deliveries need to happen on time.

Trump ji is an American and cares for American people and economy. MIC is purely interested in geopolitics. For them India is an expendable pawn. Buying from the US means surrendering our autonomy. As simple as that.

 

[Bhishma]

They delivered to Morocco last week:

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has acquired its first three AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, marking the first stage in a major upgrading program.

This cargo is part of Morocco's acquisition of 24 AH-64E Apache helicopters, with the option of purchasing 12 more. The agreement, approved in November 2019 and estimated to be valued at $4.25 billion, includes a comprehensive set of advanced weaponry, support systems, and pilot training. Boeing began producing these helicopters at its Mesa, Arizona, plant in November 2023.

 

[Bhishma]

LCH doesn't have anti tank missile yet.

wiki:
Various missiles can also be equipped upon the LCH; these include a maximum of four quadpacked anti-tank guided missiles on two hardpoints underneath each wing - options are to include both foreign and Indian-built missiles, the latter in the form of the HELINA/Dhruvastra anti-tank missile.

 

[Bhishma]

Lesson: Don't hitch defense of your country and future to someone else's supply chain problems.

They delivered 3 Apaches to Morocco last week.

 

[kumar]

And trump wants us to buy US weapons. Let them deliver for what deal is already signed for.

 

[beencensured]

Lesson: Don't hitch defense of your country and future to someone else's supply chain problems.

Supply chain? Still giving orders dream and not looking at alternate source, Total shameless.

 

[Sandeep]

This deal should be expedited as soon as possible as these delays harm our national security. Also the army with just 6 helicopters will not give us a major advantage unless they are increased and backed up by Prachand.

Recently there was a number of apache helicopter crashes and Boeing has been making a lot of errors and mistakes in manufacturing and assembling their planes. So India should make sure the technology, parts and equipment is manufactured, assembled and tested properly without taking any short cuts. Any crash will lead to a $130m loss straight away so we better test these helicopters thoroughly before accepting them into service.

 

[Arin Kumar]

All these delay in deliveries are acceptable - we can made do with our HAL Prachand, HAL Dhruv and other Russian stuff - only delivery from USA that matters to us is the GE F404 and GE F414 INS engines.

India should press, beg, implore, bribe - do whatever possible to get these GE engines full and even before contracted dates if possible.

 

[Benith Israel]

If possible, Army should discuss with pentagon and scrap the order. Army should pay HAL for the already delivered and used prachand helicopters. This will also give more leverage for army to make it a bunker busting attack helicopter for high altitude warfare and start mass production from tumour tumku factory.

 

[Hari Sud]

Ukraine war has upset all schedules. Moreover Biden had put delivery to India of military hardware on a lower priority. Now he is gone, hence a better schedule is possible.