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Apache induction and Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Striking the right balance in defence modernisation

For India to realise the full potential of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, it must accelerate indigenous innovation, reform procurement, and invest in globally competitive platforms. Until then, smart and selective imports like the Apache will remain critical pillars of India's national security architecture Peace time is nothing but an illusion. Even during periods of relative calm, we must prepare for uncertainty. Sudden developments can force a complete shift in our financial and operational purpose. —Defence Minister Rajnath Singh On July 22, 2025, the Indian Army Aviation Corps received its first batch of AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from the United States. This development marks a significant milestone in India's military modernisation strategy. The acquisition is not only a tactical enhancement for India's rotary-wing capability but also raises pressing questions about India's dependency on foreign platforms, even as it pursues the ambitious Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The induction comes amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security challenges along India's western and northern borders. While Pakistan recently inducted Chinese Z-10ME helicopters, and China continues to deploy advanced rotary and fixed-wing assets along the LAC, India's Apache acquisition underscores the urgency to bridge existing gaps in air combat and surveillance capabilities. Why Apache? The AH-64 Apache, currently operated by 17 countries, is a cutting-edge attack helicopter known for its multi-role, multi-domain operations (MDO) capabilities. India signed a deal with Boeing in 2020 worth Rs 5,691 crore (approximately $681 million) for the procurement of six Apache helicopters for the Indian Army. This followed an earlier $2.5 billion agreement in 2015 for the supply of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF). At present, the IAF operates all 22 Apache helicopters, while the Indian Army has inducted three, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery by November 2025. The Apache first saw combat during 'Operation Just Cause' in Panama in 1989, where it provided effective night-time fire support for ground troops. It was later extensively deployed in the Global War on Terror, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq, where its precision strike capabilities, agility, and advanced sensor systems made it a key asset in close air support and counter-insurgency operations. The AH-64E Apache Guardian is considered one of the most advanced multi-role attack helicopters globally. Its cutting-edge systems include the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire-control radar mounted above the main rotor, enabling it to detect, classify, and prioritise up to 256 targets simultaneously. With a top speed of nearly 293 km/h, an operational range exceeding 480 km, and advanced avionics, the Apache offers precision, survivability, and multi-domain operational capability. Designed to perform in all weather conditions, day or night, it is capable of operating in high-altitude and hot-desert environments, making it particularly suited for India's varied terrain, including Ladakh and Kashmir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a social media post by ADG PI–Indian Army: 'The Apache enhances not just our firepower but our entire combat intelligence cycle. It integrates seamlessly into ISR-led operations and joint command structures.' The decision to procure separate platforms for the Army marks a doctrinal shift, as the Indian Army sought its own fleet for independent operations under Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs). This reflects a growing recognition of the rotary-wing element's importance in modern combined arms warfare. Integrated Theatre Command The Apache's induction fits into India's evolving military doctrine, which emphasises speed, mobility, and precision under the Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC) being conceptualised. In particular, the Apache enables rapid escalation dominance in response to transgressions or attacks, supports airborne assault operations with advanced ISR and escort capabilities, and performs suppression-of-enemy-air-defence (SEAD) roles in conventional operations. A senior official from the Integrated Defence Staff stated: 'Modern battlefield mobility requires more than numbers. Apache gives you reach, resilience, and precision in time-sensitive operations.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indigenous Defence Imperative India's push for self-reliance in defence, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, has led to significant investments in indigenous systems like: (a) HAL Rudra (armed version of Dhruv) (b) LCH Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter) (c) ALH Dhruv (utility platform) Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence & Analyses (MP-IDSA) Defence Analyst Rahul Wankhede asserts: 'The Apache 64E effectively meets India's current capability requirements by providing a combat-proven, high-performance platform while indigenous assets like the LCH are still maturing. However, it should serve as a transitional solution as India strengthens its attack helicopter ecosystem.' While Prachand is optimised for high-altitude missions and Rudra is in limited service, none currently match the combat history or multi-role capabilities of the Apache. The need for proven, high-performance systems capable of delivering across multiple mission sets justifies India's selective imports despite the indigenous push. Defence analyst Laxman Kumar Behera notes: 'There's a pragmatic balance being struck. We need to be aatmanirbhar, but we also need readiness today. The Apache fills a very real gap.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan and China: The Regional Rotor Race Pakistan has inducted the Z-10ME, the export version of China's Z-10 attack helicopter. Earlier trials in 2021 reportedly failed to impress Pakistani defence planners. The Z-10ME is an upgraded variant claimed to be suitable for mountainous terrain, but it lacks the extensive combat history of the Apache. China, on the other hand, has deployed a range of helicopters, including the Z-19, Z-10, and Z-20, along the LAC. These platforms complement its rapid infrastructure development across Tibet and Xinjiang, enhancing the PLA's readiness in high-altitude zones. Given the two-front challenge India faces, acquiring a battle-proven platform like the Apache strengthens India's ability to maintain a credible deterrence posture. Why Apache When We Have Prachand? It's important to clarify that Apache is not replacing Indian systems, but complementing them. The HAL Prachand, for instance, has entered IAF and Army service in limited numbers and is effective in specific roles like high-altitude close support. However, key limitations persist in indigenous platforms: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (a) Lack of high-power engines (b) Limited night-fighting capability (c) Absence of fully integrated radar/weapon suites Until Indian systems reach comparable benchmarks, the Apache offers assured capability, particularly in frontline deployments. As retired Air Marshal Anil Chopra explains: 'Prachand and Apache are not in competition. One ensures long-term self-reliance; the other ensures today's combat readiness.' This urgency is compounded by the fact that the MiG-21, dubbed the workhorse of the IAF, is retiring this September. Challenges in Indigenous Rotary-Wing Development Despite successes, the indigenous rotorcraft ecosystem faces challenges: (a) Engine dependency – HAL relies on imported engines like the Shakti (a Turbomeca product). (b) Delayed R&D cycles – HAL and DRDO projects often face bureaucratic delays and changing specifications. (c) Export barriers – Lack of combat history hinders export potential. These issues slow the ability to scale up and create globally competitive alternatives. A multi-pronged reform involving private sector participation, joint ventures, and faster procurement is essential. Strategic Autonomy vs Operational Readiness STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's defence strategy increasingly rests on a delicate balance between strategic autonomy and operational urgency. In sectors where time and security are non-negotiable, imports like the Apache are deemed necessary. As per SIPRI data (2024), India remains the world's top arms importer. However, this is gradually declining as domestic capacity increases. The goal is to reduce imports to less than 30 per cent of total acquisitions by 2030. Budgetary Priorities and Procurement Delays This year's Defence Budget is Rs 6.81 trillion, of which Rs 1.49 trillion is allocated for the acquisition of modern platforms. Allocations for capital expenditure have grown in recent years but are still stretched across multiple demands: (a) Modernisation of infantry equipment (b) Submarine and naval procurement (c) Fighter aircraft acquisitions (MRFA deal pending) Large-ticket items like the Apache absorb substantial portions of these budgets, occasionally causing delays in other indigenous procurements. Balancing high-impact imports like the Apache with local development is a budgeting tightrope; every year indigenisation is delayed, and the cost of dependency rises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Way Forward The induction of the AH-64E Apache Guardian into the Indian Army represents a strategic bridge linking India's current capability requirements with its long-term self-reliance goals. While indigenous platforms like the Prachand and Rudra are key components of India's defence future, systems like the Apache provide essential firepower and survivability in the present. Defence Journalist Ajay Banerjee notes that in the next 3-4 years, the Indian Army will need to procure 11 more Apaches and Chinooks to meet its requirements. For India to realise the full potential of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector, it must accelerate indigenous innovation, reform procurement, and invest in globally competitive platforms. Until then, smart and selective imports like the Apache will remain critical pillars of India's national security architecture. The Apache offers proven combat capability essential for high-altitude and joint operations, and its procurement also underscores the continued reliance on foreign platforms. To address this, India must prioritise public–private partnerships, foster joint ventures with foreign OEMs, and invest in an indigenous engine development ecosystem. Simultaneously, reforming procurement procedures and expediting R&D cycles will be crucial to reducing external dependency. The author is a researcher at the United Service Institution of India, New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.