Massive upgrade in Indian Army's offensive capabilities along Pakistan border soon! Apaches attack copters incoming

In a move that will majorly enhance the offensive, reconnaissance, and surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army, the first consignment of Apache attack helicopters from the US will be handed over to India on July 21.

 

The AH-64E, also known as the Apache Guardian, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters.

 

A report by NDTV, quoting sources from defence and security establishments, said these AH-64E Apache helicopters will be deployed along the Pakistan border, marking a significant upgrade to the Indian Army's aerial combat capabilities along the western border with Pakistan.

 

The NDTV report says three AH-64Es will arrive at the IAF's Hindon Air Force Station, which is under the Western Air Command.

 

Capable of carrying out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operating in hostile airspace with threats from ground, the addition of these attack helicopters to the Indian Army will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations as the Indian Air Force (IAF) already has the AH-64Es in its inventory. 

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The helicopter, manufactured by Boeing, is capable of delivering a variety of weapons, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air-to-air Stinger missiles. AH-64E also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of the area weapon sub-system. The fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems, adds to the lethality of the IAF Apache helicopter.

 

The IAF's tandem seating helicopters are day/night, all-weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage, are easily maintainable even in field conditions and are capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions.

 

"Alongside the capability to shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and other ammunitions, it also has modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric aerial warfare. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historic campaigns worldwide," Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa (retd) had said while inducting the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters into the IAF in 2019. 

Defence