The Indian Army’s Apache Squadron is still waiting for the first batch of combat helicopters from the US since the past 11 months of its raising. The delivery of Apache AH-64E attack helicopters has once again missed the second deadline.
As part of a USD 600 million deal signed in 2020 with the US, the Army had expected delivery of six Apache helicopters by June 2024. However, the timeline was shifted to December 2024 due to supply chain disruption. The wait is still not over for the Army’s Aviation Corps, as the Apache helicopters have still not been delivered.
Originally, six helicopters were planned to arrive in batches of three. The first batch was expected between May and June 2024. However, the helicopters have yet to reach India, leaving the Army’s first Apache Squadron in anticipation.
As part of a USD 600 million deal signed with the US in 2020, the Indian Army is set to receive six Apache helicopters. The first batch, however, has already faced a delay of over nine months.
Sources in the Defence Ministry indicate that this delay is due to technical issues faced by the US. Additionally, there is no clarity on the delivery timeline for the first batch of helicopters.
The Army’s Aviation Corps raised its first Apache Squadron at Nagtalao in Jodhpur in March 2024. The pilots and ground staff were trained and ready to undertake flight operations, but they remain in uncertainty as the Army is itself not aware about the delivery timelines of the American attack helicopters.
The Apache AH-64E attack helicopters are intended to support the Army’s crucial operations on the Western front. These advanced choppers are known for their agility, firepower and advanced targeting systems. Unsurprisingly, the Army requires these attack helicopters as a major component of its arsenal.
The Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters as part of a separate order signed in 2015, while the Army is awaiting these advanced attack helicopters to bolster its capabilities.
The Army’s Aviation Corps is a critical component of its operational capabilities, providing essential aerial support for a variety of missions. The assets of the Army’s Aviation Corps include:
HELICOPTERS:-
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv: An indigenous multi-role helicopter used for various purposes, including transport, reconnaissance and search and rescue missions. The Dhruv fleet remains grounded after a ICG ALH crashed last month.
Rudra: An armed version of the ALH Dhruv, equipped with weapons for close air support and anti-tank missions. The fleet remains grounded for security checks by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Cheetah and Chetak: Light utility helicopters used for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and logistics.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): A newer addition designed for high-altitude operations, capable of carrying out offensive missions in support of ground troops.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft:Dornier 228: A light transport aircraft used for reconnaissance, logistics and communication duties.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs):
Heron: Medium-altitude, long-endurance UAVs used for surveillance and reconnaissance.
Searcher: Tactical UAVs for shorter-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
TRANSPORT HELICOPTERS:
Mi-17: Medium-lift helicopters used for troop transport, logistics and evacuation missions.
These assets allow the Army’s Aviation Corps to conduct a wide range of operations, from battlefield support and reconnaissance to logistics and casualty evacuation, significantly enhancing the force’s overall effectiveness in various terrains and conditions.