'Milestone moment for Indian Army': How newly-arrived AH-64E Apache helicopters boost India's war-fighting capabilities

In what has been hailed as a "milestone moment for Indian Army," the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrived in India on Tuesday.

 

Taking to X, the Army said these state-of-the-art platforms will significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the force.

 

According to defence officials, these AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will be deployed in Jodhpur.

 

Boeing AH-64 Apache is a highly advanced, twin-engine multi-role attack helicopter. The makers of the aircraft, Boeing, describe it as "the world’s most advanced, proven attack helicopter." “Apache AH-64E features improved sensors and avionics and is considered to be one of the most advanced multirole combat helicopters in the world,” the company notes.

ALSO READ: Indian Navy's latest warship Ajay launched: Another shallow water killer to hunt submarines added to India's arsenal

The Apache attack helicopter can be equipped with air-to-air missiles such as Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder, Mistral and Sidearm, and the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS) family of guided and unguided 70mm rockets. The AH-64E Apache helicopters can also be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s joint-air-to-ground missile (JAGM) system.

 

The fighter jet is designed with open systems architecture to support long-term plans to position the platform as a key component of the multi-domain operations (MDO) battlefield, the company says. "Its improved modernised target acquisition designation system provides all-weather target information during day and night. The onboard equipment also provides night vision navigation capability. The upgraded fire control radar also enables the maritime targeting mode for the AH-64E."

 

The induction of these attack helicopters will ensure that the Indian Army can have better coordination and response in high-threat environments with the Indian Air Force, which already operates these.  

Defence