The Indian Army's Aviation Corps is facing an unexpected hurdle in its modernization efforts. The delivery of the first batch of six Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, procured from the United States under a $600 million deal signed in 2020, has been delayed by over three months.
Originally scheduled to arrive between May and June, the helicopters have yet to reach India, leaving the Army's newly established Apache Squadron at Nagtalao, Jodhpur, in a state of anticipation.
Sources within the Defence Ministry have attributed the delay to technical issues on the US side, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the delivery timeline.
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 Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters, procured under a separate order in 2015. The Army's acquisition of these advanced attack helicopters is seen as a crucial step in bolstering its capabilities.
The Indian Army's Aviation Corps, a critical component of the Army's operational capabilities, operates a diverse fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, Rudra, Cheetah, Chetak, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Dornier 228, and various Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
The addition of the Apache AH-64E is expected to significantly enhance the Corps' ability to provide aerial support for a wide range of missions, from battlefield support and reconnaissance to logistics and casualty evacuation.
