The Indian Army is gearing up for the introduction of six heavy-duty Apache attack helicopters equipped with formidable weaponry, marking a significant advancement in the country’s defense capabilities. These Apache choppers are part of a deal worth Rs 5,691 crore, which was signed with the United States in February 2020.
The upcoming deliveries of the six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are scheduled in batches between February and June of the next year. These helicopters will complement the 22 Apache helicopters that have already been inducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of a separate deal signed in September 2015.
In tandem with the Apache induction, both the Army and the IAF have finalized plans to acquire an additional 156 indigenous ‘Prachand’ light combat helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). These helicopters are designed for offensive operations in high-altitude areas, including regions like the Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. The proposal, soon to be presented to the defense acquisitions council led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, outlines that the Army will receive 90 Prachand choppers, with the remaining 66 designated for the IAF. Fifteen such helicopters were previously inducted after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved a contract in March of the previous year.
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