Following a delay of over half a year, the Indian Army is poised to receive its inaugural batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December.
A defence source revealed, "The manufacturer has informed us of manufacturing delays due to supply chain issues. The initial batch of three Apaches is now slated for December delivery, with the remaining three to follow a few months later."
The original timeline had earmarked three helicopters for delivery in May and another three in July.
The source further elaborated that the matter of delays was raised with the U.S. at a political level during the Defense Minister's official visit in August, where a request was made to prioritize these deliveries.
The Apache AH-64E, renowned for its agility, firepower, and advanced targeting systems, is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting the Army's operations on the Western front. The Apaches are ideal for countering armour and would be deployed in the deserts, adding that their capability gets limited in high altitudes due to their operational envelope.
In March, the Army Aviation formally established the 451 Aviation Squadron at Jodhpur, which will operate the Apaches. These helicopters will join the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) as the second attack helicopter type in the Army's arsenal.
In February 2020, India inked a deal with Boeing for six Apaches for the Army, valued at approximately $800 million. The agreement also encompassed training for six pilots and 24 technicians by Boeing in the U.S.
In September 2015, the Cabinet Committee had sanctioned the procurement of 39 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S., of which the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22. Subsequently, the government decided that future Apache procurements would be allocated to the Army.
While the Army has advocated for an additional 11 Apaches, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) last year commissioned a study on the armored helicopter requirements of the three services. This study supported the need for 39 heavy attack helicopters.
