Boeing Hands First Apache Helicopters to Indian Army
The Indian Army has accepted the first Apache helicopters from Boeing as part of a US foreign military sale approved in 2017.
The delivery completes half of the six aircraft slated for transfer, built according to the product’s latest AH‑64E configuration.
New Delhi’s military said that the three helicopters will be deployed to Jodhpur to strengthen the region’s security, according to local news agency Mint.
According to the outlet, the shipment was delayed by 15 months from its original schedule but was fast-tracked following a recent phone call between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US counterpart Pete Hegseth.
The discussion also advanced the delivery timeline for General Electric F404 engines, which will power the South Asian country’s indigenous HAL Tejas fighter jet.
The AH‑64E Apache
Boeing’s AH‑64E Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter equipped with advanced avionics, a next-generation defensive suite, and a 30-millimeter chain gun.
It can be armed with a variety of multi-domain missiles, making it a frontline platform for precision strike missions.
Powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, the Apache reaches speeds of up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour and has a range of 500 kilometers (311 miles).
It measures 18 meters (59 feet) long with a rotor diameter of 15 meters (49 feet).
The Indian Air Force currently fields 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.
The fleet is split across two squadrons and continues to support operations in northern and western sectors.
