India set to receive first batch of Apache helicopters this month for deployment along Pakistan border
The delivery of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States has faced several delays. Under a $600 million deal signed with the US in 2020, the Indian Army had expected to receive six Apaches by May-June 2024.;

After months of waiting, the Indian Army is finally set to receive its first batch of Apache attack helicopters—almost 15 months after it formed its first dedicated Apache squadron. This development comes as the Army works to boost its strength along the western border, especially following Operation Sindoor.
The Army Aviation Corps formed its Apache squadron in Jodhpur in March 2024, but the unit has been without helicopters since then due to repeated delays in delivery. Now, sources say the first batch of Apache AH-64E helicopters from the United States could be handed over as soon as this month.
These helicopters, along with six Apaches, are part of a 2020 agreement worth about $600 million with the United States. They were to be delivered in two batches of three, the first of which was anticipated to arrive in May or June of 2024. However, delivery has been postponed until later this year due to supply chain interruptions and technical issues on the U.S. side.
According to Defence Ministry insiders, the first three helicopters will likely arrive in the coming weeks, with the remaining three expected by the end of the year. These Apaches will give the Army's offensive operations on the western front a significant advantage once they are enlisted. They are well-suited for frontline combat because of their speed, powerful firepower, and sophisticated targeting systems.
22 Apache helicopters are currently in service with the Indian Air Force thanks to a different agreement that was signed in 2015. This new batch is intended exclusively for the Army, demonstrating a calculated decision to bolster its aerial firepower.
In the meantime, the Army Aviation Corps remains an essential component of Army operations, offering air support for evacuation, logistics, reconnaissance, and combat. The Corps operates a variety of aircraft in addition to the anticipated Apaches.
**Helicopters:**
* **ALH Dhruv:** India’s homegrown multi-role helicopter used for transport, rescue, and reconnaissance missions. It was briefly grounded after a Coast Guard variant crashed in January but has since returned to service following the Pahalgam terror attack.
* **Rudra:** An armed version of the Dhruv, designed for close air support and anti-tank operations.
* **Cheetah and Chetak:** Light helicopters used for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation, and logistics.
* **Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):** A newer model built for high-altitude combat missions supporting ground troops.
**Fixed-Wing Aircraft:**
* **Dornier 228:** Used mainly for transport, reconnaissance, and communication tasks.
**Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):**
* **Heron:** A medium-altitude, long-endurance drone used for strategic surveillance.
* **Searcher:** A tactical drone for shorter-range reconnaissance.
**Transport Helicopters:**
* **Mi-17:** Medium-lift helicopters that handle troop transport, logistics, and rescue operations.
With this diverse fleet, the Army Aviation Corps supports the Army in a wide variety of operations across different terrains and situations. The arrival of the Apache helicopters is expected to be a game-changer, significantly enhancing the Army’s combat readiness, especially as tensions remain high along the western border.