SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is set to receive the first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December 2024. This delivery marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Army’s aerial combat capabilities, despite a delay of over six months caused by global supply chain disruptions.
Originally scheduled for February 2024, the delivery of the helicopters was postponed due to delays in critical components, reflecting ongoing challenges in the global defense manufacturing ecosystem. Boeing has now confirmed that the revised delivery schedule will commence in December 2024, with subsequent batches to follow.
The Indian Army plans to deploy the Apache helicopters in desert regions, bolstering its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to threats along the country’s western borders. These regions, characterized by vast and open terrains, present unique operational challenges that the advanced capabilities of the Apache are well-suited to address.
The Apache helicopters will play a critical role in strengthening India’s defense posture along its western borders, particularly in desert and semi-arid regions. The platforms will provide close air support for ground troops, conduct precision strikes on enemy targets, and perform reconnaissance missions.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters, inducted between 2019 and 2020. The Army’s addition of six Apaches, under a contract signed in 2020, marks the first direct acquisition of these helicopters for Army Aviation. The inclusion of Apaches will strengthen joint operational capabilities between the Army and the Air Force, further streamlining India’s combat preparedness.
The delay in delivery highlights the vulnerabilities of global defense supply chains, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions and pandemic-induced disruptions. However, the situation underscores the importance of localizing critical defense manufacturing under initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Boeing’s collaboration with Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) in Hyderabad for the production of Apache fuselages is a positive step in this direction.