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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

After enduring more than 9 months of delay, the Indian Army has been met with further setbacks in its eagerly awaited acquisition of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. Originally slated for delivery in May and then rescheduled for December 2024, these helicopters are now anticipated to start the company’s Internal flight trials only in March 2025, as per a defence source close to idrw.org that means it might take another 2-3 months before it is handed over to Indian Army.

The procurement deal, valued at approximately $800 million, was signed in February 2020, marking a pivotal moment in the modernization of the Indian Army’s aviation capabilities. The first batch of three out of the six AH-64E Apaches was supposed to be a significant boost to the Army’s aerial attack fleet. However, Boeing was unable to meet the December deadline due to global defence supply chains.

In anticipation of this acquisition, Boeing has trained six Indian Army pilots and 24 technicians in the United States, ensuring they are equipped to handle these sophisticated machines once delivered. This training reflects the comprehensive nature of the deal, focusing not just on hardware acquisition but also on operational readiness and sustainment.

Once operational, these Apaches are intended for deployment in desert regions where their combat capabilities, especially against armoured threats, are expected to be particularly effective. The Apache’s advanced sensors, weaponry, and survivability features make it a formidable asset in such environments.

In preparation for the Apache’s induction, the Indian Army established the 451 Aviation Squadron at Jodhpur back in March 2023. This squadron will be responsible for operating these helicopters, making the Apaches the second type of attack helicopter in the Army’s arsenal, alongside the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL). This move signifies the Army’s strategy to diversify and enhance its attack helicopter capabilities, blending international technology with homegrown solutions.

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