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India Today
5 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Apache power: US-made chopper is Indian Army's big move to control aviation assets
On the rainy July 22 morning, a Soviet-era Antonov cargo aircraft touched down at the Hindon airbase close to Delhi, delivering the first batch of American AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army. These helicopters—nicknamed 'Flying Tank' for their heavy firepower and battlefield resilience—are set to be deployed along the western front with Pakistan, significantly boosting India's armoured warfare induction marks a major step in the army's longstanding efforts at direct control over its combat aviation assets. The three helicopters delivered are part of a Rs 5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020 for six Apaches, specifically for the Indian Army. The choppers will be based at the newly raised 451 Army Aviation Squadron in Jodhpur, Rajasthan—strategically located for operations in the desert terrain bordering the Indian Air Force (IAF), which uses its 22 Apaches for air defence and deep-strike roles targeting enemy radar installations and command posts, the Indian Army intends to use its fleet for close air support, tank-busting missions and battlefield dominance during armoured delivery also rekindles a long-running turf war between the Indian Army and the IAF over control of attack helicopters. Since Independence, the IAF has retained command over all offensive air assets, including attack and heavy-lift helicopters. The army, however, has argued that helicopter gunships meant to support ground forces should be under the Army Aviation Corps' operational command in order to ensure better coordination and effectiveness in battlefield scenarios. Official sources claim that the arrival of the Apache helicopters is not just a boost in firepower—it represents a symbolic shift in the army's growing ambitions to carve out greater control over integrated air-land warfare. The delivery of all six helicopters is expected soon, after which they will be formally inducted and operationalised for July 22 delivery is more than just acquisition of cutting-edge hardware—it signals a strategic evolution of India's approach to modern aerial warfare. Built in Mesa, Arizona, the AH-64E is widely regarded as the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in service globally. It forms the backbone of the US army's attack helicopter fleet and is also part of arsenals of several allied nations, including AH-64E incorporates 26 new technologies to enhance battlefield performance. These include advanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, more powerful T700-GE-701D engines with enhanced transmissions, improved rotor blades made of composite materials, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight—allowing manned-unmanned teaming in real time. Globally, over 400 AH-64Es have been delivered, and the US army fleet alone has clocked more than 4.5 million flight as the Apaches strengthen India's capabilities against Pakistan in the western theatre, a parallel and significant development is unfolding on the eastern front. This March, the defence ministry signed a Rs 62,700 crore (approximately $7.3 billion) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 'Prachand' light combat helicopters, underscoring the increasing role of rotorcraft in India's war-fighting doctrine. These helicopters—66 for the IAF and 90 for the Indian Army—will be delivered over the next five years, with deliveries starting in the third for high-altitude warfare, the Prachand is tailored to Indian needs, especially for deployment along the contested Himalayan border with China. With modern stealth features, armour protection and potent night-attack capabilities, the helicopter is optimised for precision strikes in extreme terrain. This makes it a vital counter to Chinese advancements in attack helicopter People's Liberation Army (PLA) has made significant strides with its Z-10 attack helicopter, also known as the Zhishengji-10 or the 'Fierce Thunderbolt'. Also dubbed the 'Chinese Apache' due to its design resemblance and battlefield role, the Z-10 represents China's growing ambitions to rival the US and western rotorcraft the arrival of the US-made Apaches and scaling up of India's homegrown Prachand fleet reflect a broader shift in India's aerial doctrine—one that emphasises on layered, terrain-specific attack helicopter capabilities across two distinct fronts. As the global strategic environment evolves, India's twin investments in American and indigenous platforms ensure it retains a credible edge in both desert and mountain to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Rs 86000000/unit: Price of new 'flying artillery' of Indian Army, bad news for Pakistan, China due to..., weapon is capable of...
New Delhi: The work of modernization of Indian Armed Forces is going at a fast pace, especially after the success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan. Now, the Indian Army is going get a new weapon that is known as 'flying cannon'. It is the American Apache AH-64E helicopter the delivery of which has already started, and the first consignment is going to reach Jodhpur on 22 July where these helicopters are likely to be formally welcomed on the same day. The Apache AH-64E helicopters are among the best combat helicopters in the world. They have very powerful guns installed in them and that is why they are called flying cannons. The firepower of these helicopters is amazing. The cost of each helicopter is around Rs 860 crore. It is one of the most expensive weapon systems India has. What is Flying Cannon? The Apache AH-64E helicopters are called the flying cannons. They will not only enhance the air power of the army but will also guarantee accurate and terrifying strikes against the enemy. These helicopters were purchased in 2020 under a deal worth $600 million (about Rs 5,000 crore) with the USA. The 451 Army Aviation Squadron already established in Jodhpur will operate these helicopters, which will be deployed to protect the western border at Pakistan side. The Apache helicopters are said to 'rain bullets from the sky'. They are capable of accurately striking enemy tanks, bunkers and military bases. These are equipped with Fire and Forget, Hellfire missiles, 30 mm chain guns and Hydra-70 rocket systems, which prove to be effective even in complex war zones. A senior army official told News18 that these helicopters will not only enhance our air strike capability but will also help in increasing coordination with the soldiers on the ground. The Apache's ability to attack even at night, advanced navigation and communication systems make it enemy's nightmare. Which other unit already has these helicopters? Earlier these helicopters were only with the Indian Air Force which operates 22 of these flying beasts. The deployment of additional six Apache's will add more strength to the Army's Aviation Corps. These helicopters manufactured by Boeing Company have proven their efficiency and prowess in countries like America, Britain, Israel. An Apache has a crew of 2, pilot, and co-pilot/gunner.
