Boeing to Deliver First Three AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters to Indian Army in Dec 2024, Ending Long Delays

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.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters, inducted between 2019 and 2020. This acquisition of six Apaches for the Army, under a 2020 contract, marks the first direct procurement of these helicopters for Army Aviation. The addition of Apaches will strengthen joint operational capabilities between the Army and the IAF, further enhancing India's combat readiness.

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.

 

[Neal.B]

With only 6 apaches Army will achieve nothing.

 

[NSR]

India and GoI and MoD must unilaterally transfer all of IAF inventory of AH-64E Apaches to Indian Army Aviation Division immediately.

IAF has no locus standi to hold on to Apaches.
Only local theater commanders should hold on to Apaches and Chinooks as Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to respond instantly to any evolving situations in their theater.

IAF high handedness is extremely deplorable as so many terrorists are infiltrating and India losing so many civilians, soldiers and officer who can be saved by deployment of Apaches in border areas.

IAF can use LCH attack helicopters and ALH/Dhruv transportation helicopters for its needs at its own bases.
No need for IAF to hold on to the Apaches or Chinooks.

 

[R Rao]

Why is India still getting stuff from US I wonder?? Whatever is happening to our own Make or other sources. US can never ever be our Friend we all know that when will this learning curve ever end with us. As said by others few Apache's will hardly make any diff. why get them at all. Should we not rethink on QUAD as well?

 

[Garuda]

With only 6 apaches Army will achieve nothing.

They are most likely to complemate large fleet of Prachand providing valuable data from its sensors to entire fleet. The domain where Apache excels . And as a standalone squadron even 4 of them can anhillate a pak regiment of 44 tanks . Man it's firepower is unmatcheble in entire subcontinent.

 

[Garuda]

Why is India still getting stuff from US I wonder?? Whatever is happening to our own Make or other sources. US can never ever be our Friend we all know that when will this learning curve ever end with us. As said by others few Apache's will hardly make any diff. why get them at all. Should we not rethink on QUAD as well?

Our own dedicated attack heli of heavy weight category is almost a decade away. Only something like rudra in heavy weight category be ready by 2030 . So why shouldn't army have this beast? Requirement was of much larger number but rest of the requirements will be filled by indigenous Prachand. Army and Air force definitely knows better than both of us be it geopolitics or operational requirements. Yeah in some instances army did show biasness towards foreign equipment but they still know better.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Can it fly in high altitudes in icy conditions?

 

[R. Singh]

Our each Theatre command must have 60 Apache for its air cavalry !

 

[Rinku Pandey]

India and GoI and MoD must unilaterally transfer all of IAF inventory of AH-64E Apaches to Indian Army Aviation Division immediately.

IAF has no locus standi to hold on to Apaches.
Only local theater commanders should hold on to Apaches and Chinooks as Quick Reaction Force (QRF) to respond instantly to any evolving situations in their theater.

IAF high handedness is extremely deplorable as so many terrorists are infiltrating and India losing so many civilians, soldiers and officer who can be saved by deployment of Apaches in border areas.

Why should IAF transfer it's inventory to Army? Army has a greater budget and can order it's own. Ask GOI to give permission to IAF to stop infiltration. Anyway using Apache is an overkill to stop infiltration. Let's see how Army uses Apache to stop infiltration since Army is also getting them.

 

[Nobody In here]

A helicopter worth almost $100 million dollars a piece can't even operate in the Himalayas 👎

 

[NSR]

Why should IAF transfer it's inventory to Army? Army has a greater budget and can order it's own. Ask GOI to give permission to IAF to stop infiltration. Anyway using Apache is an overkill to stop infiltration. Let's see how Army uses Apache to stop infiltration since Army is also getting them.

IAF can use LCH attack helicopters and ALH/Dhruv transportation helicopters for its needs at its own bases.
No need for IAF to hold on to the Apaches or Chinooks.

 

[Akshat]

Can it fly in high altitudes in icy conditions?

Well they have been deployed in Alaska. Even the IAF deployed them in Himalayas. So it suggests that they can. The cause of the accident there has yet not been revealed.

 

[Akshat]

A helicopter worth almost $100 million dollars a piece can't even operate in the Himalayas 👎

They can. They have been deployed there by IAF.

 

[Rah]

What's the status on prachand? Slow moving as Tejas?

 

[tlsmani]

With only 6 apaches Army will achieve nothing.

There can be some loss due to unforseen weather or pilot or mechanical problems.Six nos can almost be a training squadron. Cost is also an issue Better develop indigenous capability & capacity

 

[kinzelle]

10$ Temu drone says hi.

 

[P2S2]

Why is India still getting stuff from US I wonder?? Whatever is happening to our own Make or other sources. US can never ever be our Friend we all know that when will this learning curve ever end with us. As said by others few Apache's will hardly make any diff. why get them at all. Should we not rethink on QUAD as well?

Consistency is important. Make hay while the sun shines. India's needs are massive every bit of scraps will quickly disappear into the numerous services waiting for equipment. Yes IAF should seriously consider handing over all Apache helicopters to frontline border protection forces and concentrate it's massive procurement power to creating local talent in helicopter manufacturing support to the army.