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The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its sanctioned fleet of six helicopters. These platforms have been inducted into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, marking a key step in enhancing India’s offensive rotary-wing capability.

About the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

The AH-64E Apache, also known as the Apache Guardian, is regarded as the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. It is designed for advanced reconnaissance, precision strike and close air support (CAS) missions in high-intensity battlefield environments.

• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• User Nations: United States, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Netherlands, among others
• Operational Variant: Latest version currently used by the US Army

Apache in India’s Defence Architecture

India operates the Apache across two services, reflecting a shift towards service-specific combat roles:

• Indian Air Force: Operates 22 AH-64E helicopters, inducted primarily for air force-led strike and support roles
• Indian Army: Inducted 6 AH-64E helicopters (contract signed in 2020) to strengthen Army Aviation Corps’ direct battlefield support

This dual induction enhances jointness, while enabling the Army to independently conduct armoured warfare support and offensive air manoeuvres.

Key Technical and Combat Features

The AH-64E is a twin-engine, heavily armed attack helicopteroptimised for survivability and lethality:

• Length: 17.8 metres
• Maximum Speed: ~300 km/h
• Maximum Operating Weight: 10,432 kg
• Rate of Climb: Over 2,800 feet per minute

Weapons Suite:

• AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (anti-tank and precision strike)
• 70 mm rockets
• 30 mm chain gun (nose-mounted)
• Stinger air-to-air missiles (short-range aerial threats)

Advanced Avionics & Sensors:

• Integrated infrared laser designator
• Enhanced night-fighting capability combining infrared and night vision imagery
• Ability to track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threats in real time

These features enable operations in all-weather, day-night and high-threat environments.

Strategic Significance for India

The induction of AH-64E Apaches into the Indian Army has multiple strategic implications:

• Enhanced anti-armour capability, especially in desert and plains sectors
• Improved close air support for mechanised and infantry formations
• Greater operational autonomy for the Army Aviation Corps
• Boost to network-centric warfare, surveillance and precision strike capacity

The deployment at Jodhpur is particularly relevant for western theatre preparedness, including rapid response in desert warfare scenarios.