Latest news with #ApacheAH-64E
India.com
23-07-2025
- India.com
Apache helicopter price: How much did India pay for these deadly war machines, and who builds them?
Apache helicopter price: How much did India pay for these deadly war machines, and who builds them? The Indian Army has received three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the American company Boeing and these are part of a deal for a total of six Apache helicopters, worth Rs. 4,168 crore. According to the deal, the cost of one Apache helicopter is estimated to be between Rs. 860 crore and Rs. 948.5 crore, making it one of the most advanced and expensive military helicopters in the world. The U.S. Army also uses the same type of helicopter. This deal is separate from an earlier agreement made in 2015 between Boeing and the Indian Air Force, under which 22 Apache E-model helicopters were delivered. That earlier delivery was completed in 2020. Later, the Ministry of Defence signed a new agreement specifically for the Indian Army, approving the purchase of six more Apache AH-64E helicopters at a cost of Rs. 4,168 crore. Why is the Apache so expensive? The AH-64E Apache is expensive because it is highly advanced combat machine and not just any regular helicopter. Its high price comes from the advanced technology and powerful features it carries. One of its key strengths is the Longbow radar, which is mounted on top of the rotor. This special radar allows the helicopter to detect and target enemies while staying hidden behind obstacles like trees or hills. It also has MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) technology. This allows the Apache to work together with drones, jam enemy radar, and launch attacks directly from the cockpit. The helicopter comes equipped with infrared sensors, laser-guided systems, and night-vision tools, which makes it fully capable of operating in any weather and even during night missions. To protect the crew, the Apache has strong armor, crash-resistant seats, and electronic countermeasures that help avoid enemy attacks, all of which increase the safety of both the pilot and the aircraft. What other special features does Apache have? The AH-64E Apache is the latest and most upgraded version of this combat helicopter. It is specially designed to handle multiple tasks during battle. It comes with advanced sensors that can detect and gather information from a long distance. This helicopter can also connect with other systems around it, like ground units, drones, and command centers. It uses all available tools and data to improve performance and coordination during missions. What does this deal show? This purchase reflects that India still depends on foreign defence equipment, even with the push for the 'Make in India' initiative. However, it is also important to know that the Apache helicopters are highly advanced and strategically important and cannot be easily replaced by local alternatives.
India.com
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters
Desert Guardians Arrive: Indian Army Boosts Offensive Power with Apache Helicopters The Indian Army has achieved a major milestone with the arrival of its first three Apache helicopters. These advanced combat machines, painted in desert camouflage, arrived in an Antonov transport aircraft and will greatly strengthen India's military power. The helicopters will be stationed in Jodhpur with the Army Aviation Corps, making them perfect 'Desert Guardians' for India's challenging western border region. These Apache AH-64E helicopters represent a significant boost to India's defense capabilities, especially along the Pakistan border. Before entering active service, they will undergo a routine Joint Receipt Inspection. Once approved, they will be immediately ready for real combat operations. The delivery marks an important step in the growing defense partnership between India and the United States, following recent discussions between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth about expanding military cooperation. The journey to acquire these helicopters faced challenges. Originally scheduled for delivery in May 2024, supply chain problems caused a 15-month delay. This delivery completes a $600 million deal that India signed with the United States in 2020 for six advanced Apache helicopters specifically for the Army. The remaining three helicopters are expected to arrive by November this year. The Apache helicopter is globally recognized as the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. Made by Boeing in the United States, it excels in various missions from attacking enemy targets to supporting ground troops. The AH-64E version is the newest and most technologically advanced variant, currently used by the U.S. Army and many allied nations including India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and the United Kingdom. What makes the Apache AH-64E special is its cutting-edge technology. It features an open system design that allows easy upgrades of communication, navigation, and weapon systems. The helicopter has more powerful engines, better digital integration with military systems, and improved survival features to protect crews in dangerous situations. Its advanced targeting systems include special infrared lasers for precise target marking, while multi-spectrum vision combines night vision and thermal imaging for superior visibility in all conditions. The Apache's specifications are impressive. It carries two crew members – a pilot and a co-pilot who also operates weapons. The helicopter measures 17.7 meters in total length and 3.8 meters in height. When empty, it weighs 5,165 kg, but fully loaded for combat, it can weigh up to 8,006 kg. It can fly at speeds up to 269 km/h, has a combat range of 483 km, and can stay airborne for 2.5 hours during missions. The helicopter's weapon systems make it truly formidable. Its main gun is a powerful 30 mm chain gun holding 1,200 bullets. It has four weapon stations that can carry various missiles and rockets. These include Hellfire missiles for destroying tanks and bunkers, Spike and Maverick missiles for long-range ground targets, Stinger missiles for shooting down enemy aircraft, and 70 mm rockets for attacking vehicles and enemy positions. This comprehensive arsenal makes the Apache capable of engaging targets on land, sea, and in the air. The Indian Air Force already operates 22 Apache helicopters successfully, proving India's ability to handle these sophisticated machines. The 2020 contract for six additional helicopters for the Army expands India's rotary-wing combat capabilities, giving ground commanders their own air support assets. This dual-service approach maximizes the Apache's potential across different military branches. These acquisitions support India's self-reliance vision in defense manufacturing. While the Apache represents international cooperation, it complements India's indigenous helicopter programs. In 2024, India signed contracts worth over ₹8,000 crore for 34 domestically-built ALH Dhruv helicopters – 25 for the Army and 9 for the Coast Guard. This strategy combines proven international platforms with developing domestic capabilities. The positioning of Apache helicopters in Jodhpur provides strategic advantages. This location offers optimal coverage for western border operations, specialized desert warfare training, and rapid response capability for emerging threats. As 'Desert Guardians,' these helicopters enhance India's offensive power through deep strike missions, close air support for ground troops, anti-armor operations, and advanced reconnaissance using sophisticated sensors. The Apache arrival brings immediate benefits including enhanced deterrence, tactical flexibility, force multiplication effects, and seamless integration with the Air Force's existing Apache fleet. Long-term goals include technology transfer, strengthening industrial partnerships with allies, and contributing to regional stability through defensive strength. The arrival of these Desert Guardians represents more than just adding three helicopters – it marks a significant advancement in India's military modernization. As these Apache AH-64E helicopters begin defending India's western frontier, they combine cutting-edge technology, proven capability, and strategic positioning to serve as guardians of India's sovereignty for decades ahead.
The Hindu
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Army gets first batch of Apache helicopters from U.S.
Indian Army on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) received the first batch of Apache Helicopters from United States at Hindon Airbase. The induction of first batch of three advanced combat helicopters Apache AH-64E will bolster Army operational capabilities along Western Border. It will be deployed in Jodhpur with Army Aviation Corps. Before induction in Jodhpur, the helicopters will undergo a Joint Receipt Inspection before being handed over for immediate operational deployment, as per the protocol. 'Apache for Indian Army. Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army significantly,' posted ADG PI on X. #Apache for Indian Army Milestone moment for Indian Army as the first batch of Apache helicopters for Army Aviation arrive today in India. These state-of-the-art platforms will bolster the operational capabilities of the #IndianArmy significantly.#YearofTechAbsorption… — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 22, 2025 The development comes after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently held a phone conversation with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Both the leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming initiatives to enhance defence cooperation between India and the United States. In the talk, U.S. has assued India of delivering the first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States in two weeks. And next batch of three helicopters will be delivered by November this year. The helicopters were delivered after delay of 15 months as it was scheduled to get delivered in May 2024 but it got delyed due to disruption in supply chain. The Indian Army had signed a USD 600 million deal with the United States in 2020 for six Apache attack helicopters.
India Today
20-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Army to get 1st batch of Apache choppers on July 22 after 15-month delay: Sources
After a delay of over 15 months, the Indian Army is finally expected to receive the first batch of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, marking a significant step towards bolstering its combat capabilities along the western border in the wake of Operation to sources aware of the delivery schedule, the first three helicopters are likely to be handed over to the Indian Army's Aviation Corps on July Indian Army had signed a USD 600 million deal with the United States in 2020 for six Apache attack helicopters, with delivery initially expected between May and June 2024. However, repeated delays due to supply chain disruptions and technical issues faced by the US pushed the delivery timeline to December per the original plan, the six helicopters were to arrive in two batches of three. While the second batch is expected later this year, the first batch has yet to reach India despite the deadline having passed over a year Army Aviation Corps raised its first Apache squadron at Nagtalao, Jodhpur, in March 2024. Pilots and ground staff were trained and ready for flight operations, but the squadron has remained without the attack helicopters since its prolonged wait has left a critical gap in the Army's operational readiness despite the urgency driven by the evolving threat perception along the western Apache AH-64E helicopters are known for their agility, firepower, and advanced targeting systems and are seen as a crucial addition to the Army's the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under a separate 2015 agreement, the Indian Army is still awaiting its share of these advanced combat helicopters to enhance its ground-attack Indian Army's Aviation Corps plays a vital role in supporting frontline operations and conducting diverse missions ranging from reconnaissance to casualty evacuation. Its existing assets include the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which was grounded earlier this year following a crash of an Indian Coast Guard ALH in limited approvals were granted for Dhruv operations after the Pahalgam attack due to the emerging security helicopters in the Corps' inventory include the Rudra, an armed version of the ALH Dhruv used for close air support and anti-tank roles; the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters for reconnaissance, logistics, and evacuation; and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), designed for offensive missions in high-altitude aircraft like the Dornier 228 are also used for reconnaissance, logistics, and communication. The Corps also operates UAVs such as the Heron and Searcher for surveillance and reconnaissance, and Mi-17 helicopters for medium-lift transport and evacuation arrival of the Apache helicopters is expected to significantly augment the Army's ability to conduct offensive and defensive operations along the western frontier, enhancing overall preparedness amid ongoing operational priorities under Operation Sindoor.- EndsTrending Reel
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Incredible images show British helicopters in action during major military exercise
Exercise Hades Warrior is a high-intensity, multi-service military event designed to test the UK's best helicopter pilots to the limit. Stunning photographs capture British Armed Forces helicopters in action during a significant exercise, featuring an intense air assault training mission. Exercise Hades Warrior is a high-stakes, multi-service military event designed to push the UK's top helicopter pilots to their limits. RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire is currently the hub for the UK's largest-ever tri-service rotary-wing training operation, accommodating over 200 pilots, aircrew, and ground support personnel. Spectacular scenes witnessed six Royal Air Force helicopters flying in formation; a Chinook 6, a Merlin Mk2, two Army Air Corps Apache AH-64E helicopters, and a pair of Wildcat AH. 1s from the Commando Helicopter Force. The fortnight-long rigorous evaluation aims to certify pilots across various rotary platforms as Qualified Weapons Instructors and Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructors, reports Plymouth Live. Exercise Hades Warrior kicked off on Monday (14 July) and is set to conclude on 27 July. In other news, an air marshal who has participated in hundreds of operational missions across multiple warzones is set to be appointed as the new head of the RAF, as confirmed by the Defence Secretary. Air Marshal Harv Smyth, who joined the force in 1991 and spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor in conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan, will assume the role of Chief of the Air Staff. Air Marshal Smyth is set to take over as the new Chief of the Air Staff, succeeding Sir Rich Knighton who has been in the role since June 2023 and is now moving on to become head of the armed forces from September. Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has climbed the ranks with a series of command positions, including his present post as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations. He expressed his sentiments by saying: "I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. "The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the service at such a crucial point in our history." Reflecting on his predecessor's contributions, he added: "I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict." In closing, he shared his commitment to the RAF personnel: "I share in his unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our whole force as we deliver outstanding air and space power for the UK and Nato."
