After months of delays, the Indian Army is finally set to receive its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December 2024. This delivery signifies a major advancement in the Army's aerial combat capabilities, despite setbacks caused by global supply chain disruptions.
Originally scheduled for February 2024, the delivery was postponed due to delays in critical components, highlighting the challenges faced by the global defence manufacturing industry. Boeing has now confirmed the revised December 2024 delivery schedule, with subsequent batches expected to follow soon after.
The Indian Army plans to deploy these Apaches in desert regions along its western borders, bolstering its ability to respond to threats in those challenging terrains. The Apache's advanced capabilities are ideally suited for operations in these vast and open landscapes.
These attack helicopters will significantly enhance India's defence posture by providing:
- Close air support: Delivering precise firepower to support ground troops.
- Precision strikes: Neutralizing enemy targets with accuracy.
- Reconnaissance: Conducting vital intelligence gathering and surveillance missions.
While the delays highlight the vulnerabilities of global defence supply chains, they also underscore the importance of localizing critical defence manufacturing under initiatives like "Make in India" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India). Boeing's collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) in Hyderabad for the production of Apache fuselages represents a positive step towards achieving this goal.
