15 months on, Indian army still awaits delivery of Apache Helicopters from the US, signed Rs 50100000000 agreement to buy…., delay reported due to…

The Apache AH-64E helicopters were expected to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, especially at a time when its western borders remain tense after Operation Sindoor.

Jun 13, 2025 - 16:30

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15 months on, Indian army still awaits delivery of Apache Helicopters from the US, signed Rs 50100000000 agreement to buy…., delay reported due to…

Extra than a yr after the Indian Navy created its first Apache attack helicopter squadron, the accurate helicopters are level-headed nowhere in peek. The squadron became as soon as location up in March 2024 at Nagtalao in Jodhpur, but it completely hasn’t became operational yet, simply since the Apache AH-64E helicopters promised by the united states don't have any longer arrived.

India had signed a USD 600 million agreement (contemporary rate: 50,100,000,000 INR)with the US in 2020 to aquire six Apache helicopters for the Navy. As per the conventional arrangement, the predominant three were presupposed to be delivered by May or June 2024. That closing date got here and went. The provide became as soon as then postponed to December 2024, reportedly due to global provide chain considerations. But now even that date has passed, and there’s level-headed no be conscious on when the helicopters will in the end land in India.

In step with officers from the Defence Ministry, the prolong is thanks to technical considerations on the US aspect. Meanwhile, Indian Navy pilots and toughen teams who were trained and willing months ago are caught waiting, with nothing to flee.

That is in distinction to the Indian Air Drive, which had received 22 Apache helicopters earlier under a separate deal made in 2015. The prolong for the Navy has therefore became even extra frustrating, as the squadron stays incomplete and slothful no matter all preparations.

Delayed Apache helicopters leave main hole in Indian Navy’s fight plans

The Apache AH-64E helicopters were expected to be a game-changer for the Indian Navy, especially at a time when its western borders remain anxious after Operation Sindoor. These helicopters, known for their reducing-edge focusing on programs and heavy firepower, are intended to spice up both offensive and reconnaissance capabilities.

Their absence, nonetheless, is rising a extreme hole in India’s defence setup. The Navy Aviation Corps has been rapidly modernising, bringing in developed platforms adore the indigenous ALH Dhruv, weaponised Rudras, Mild Combat Helicopters (LCH), as neatly as utility helicopters adore the Cheetah and Chetak, Mi-17s, Heron and Searcher UAVs, and Dornier 228 airplane.

But no matter this rising immediate, the Apaches stand out for their high precision and battlefield patience Their absence is even extra evident provided that every person assorted toughen infrastructure and trained personnel are in area, however the helicopters themselves haven’t arrived.