On July 21, the Indian Army will receive the much awaited Ah-64e Apache attack helicopters. Out of the six apaches ordered three will be delivered next week  according to reports. The Apache attack helicopters will join the Army Aviation Corps (AAC)  451 squadron established in Jodhpur on March 15,2024.

The Tank Killer Helicopter
The Ah-64 apache is known as the tank killer helicopter. Named after a native american warrior tribe, the Apache is powered by General Electric T700-701 or T700-701C and the latest Ah-64E Apache is powered by General Electric T700-701D.The Apache is equipped with longbow fire control radar which is manufactured  jointly by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin at Longbow LLC.It is armed with M230 30mm chain gun under its forward fuselage and four hardpoints on stub wing pylons for armament and stores typically AGM-114 hellfire missile and hydra 70 rocket pods. 

Manufactured in the Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, and Operated by over 16 nations including Qatar, UK, South Korea, Egypt and Greece, the Apachecan also be armed with Rafael's spike NLOS missile which has a range of 50km. Apache helicopters can also perform manned and unmanned teaming which means drones can be controlled from an Apache helicopter. The Apache helicopter with its advanced sensors can be used in night with night vision goggles for the operators.The machine gun turret of apache can be controlled by the help of a helmet. This turret moves in the direction in which the gunner’s head moves. Along with the AGM-114 hellfire apache can also be equipped with AGM-179 Joint Air to Ground Missile or JAGM.

The New-Age Apache
Not only capable of firing guns and missiles, the apache may soon be able to launch drones. According to reports the US Army is working on launching loitering munitions from the Apache helicopter. A high energy laser (HEL) developed by rtx corporation was mounted on an Apache helicopter and it successfully shot down a rotatory wing target and unmanned aerial vehicle at the White Sands Missile Range,New Mexico in 2019.

In AUSA 2022, Boeing showcased a modernized apache which is ah-64e apache (version v6) with the capability of carrying more weapons by adding an extra hardpoint on each side making a total of six hardpoints as compared to current four hardpoints two on each side.

Boost in Firepower
Apache helicopters are significantly going to boost the firepower of the Indian Army.The Army apaches will be flying along with the Rudra mk4 and the LCH Prachand helicopters. 

Apaches are currently in use with the Indian Air Force with 22 helicopters ordered in 2015. The first eight Apaches were inducted with the helicopter unit (HU) of 125 squadron (Gladiators) in Pathankot and a second squadron based out of Jorhat,Assam. 

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.