India To Get First Batch Of Apache AH-64E Attack Helicopters By Next Week; How These Modern Choppers Will Boost Indian Army’s Offensive Capabilities? – Key Features

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Army will receive the delivery of the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States on July 21, reported NDTV. These attack choppers will reportedly be deployed on the Pakistan border. The choppers will land at the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Hindon Air Force Station.

These choppers are also known as ‘tanks in the air’. The induction of these choppers is taking place almost 15 months after the Army raised its first Apache squadron in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur.

Notably, the delivery of these Apache AH-64Es was postponed multiple times. They were initially scheduled to be delivered in June last year. However, due to some issues, the delivery was postponed to December and then to July. The remaining three units of Apache attack choppers are expected to arrive in India by the end of this year.

Also Read: From Rajasthan To Siachen: ATAGS To Revolutionise Artillery Warfare For Indian Army; 1st Regiment Expected Within A Year

For the unversed, the IAF had procured 22 Apache helicopters as part of a deal with the US government and Boeing in 2015. The delivery of all these choppers was completed in July 2020. Two squadrons of Apache choppers in the IAF are already active — in Pathankot and in Jorhat.

The CAS said “Apache attack helicopters are being purchased to replace Mi-35 fleet. Alongside the capability to shoot fire & forget anti-tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in network-centric warfare." pic.twitter.com/5N26RUr5uS

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 3, 2019

Meanwhile, the deal for the addition of six attack choppers was inked with the US government during US President Donald Trump’s visit to India in February 2020.

About Apache Choppers:

The Hughes/McDonnell Douglas/Boeing AH-64 Apache is a modern twin-engine attack helicopter equipped with state-of-the-art weapons. It has a tandem cockpit for two crew members.

Key Features

1. Advanced Avionics and Cockpit

• Fully integrated digital cockpit
• Fly-by-wire controls
• Improved night vision sensors
• Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS)

2. Enhanced Sensors & Radar

• AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar (FCR):
  • Can track up to 128 targets simultaneously
  • Engage 16 targets in seconds
  • All-weather, day/night capability
• Modern EO/IR Systems: For surveillance and targeting

3. Power & Performance

• Engines: Two GE T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines
• Speed: ~300 km/h (186 mph)
• Range: ~480 km combat radius; extended with external tanks
• Improved rotor blades for better performance in high altitudes (ideal for operations like in Ladakh)

4. Lethal Weapons Suite

• 30mm M230 Chain Gun: Nose-mounted, high rate of fire
• AGM-114 Hellfire Missiles: Laser-guided or radar-guided
• Hydra 70 Rockets: Unguided or laser-guided versions
• Stinger or AIM-92 air-to-air missiles (optional)

5. Network-Centric Warfare

• MUMT (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) capability:
  • Can control and receive video feeds from UAVs (like MQ-1C Gray Eagle or Indian Rustom-II)
  • Share real-time battlefield data with ground and air units

6. Survivability

• Self-sealing fuel tanks
• Redundant systems and crashworthy landing gear
• Advanced electronic warfare suite (Radar/Laser warning receivers, IR jammers, chaff/flare dispensers)
• Armour-protected crew compartments

7. India-Specific Enhancements

• Customizations for desert and high-altitude operations
• Integrated with Indian communication systems
• Stationed along both western and northern frontiers

Operational Edge

• Effective for anti-armour, close air support, and reconnaissance missions
• Capable of operating in GPS-denied environments
• Proven combat platform in Iraq, Afghanistan, and global deployments