The Indian Army is set to strengthen its combat aviation capabilities with the induction of three Apache AH-64 attack helicopters from the United States by the end of 2025, marking the end of a long wait caused by global supply-chain delays.
Described as “tanks in the air,” the Apache helicopters are among the most lethal attack platforms in the world. They are equipped with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, cannons, and rockets, significantly enhancing the Army’s strike and anti-armour capabilities. Defence officials said the helicopters are expected to arrive in India within days and will be based in Jodhpur, bolstering operations along the western border with Pakistan.
India had ordered six Apache helicopters for the Army under a ₹5,691 crore deal signed with the US in February 2020. The first three were delivered in July 2025, while the remaining three are now slated for delivery by year-end. These will add to the 22 Apache helicopters already inducted by the Indian Air Force between 2019 and 2020 under a separate agreement.
Alongside Army inductions, the Indian Navy is also expanding its rotary-wing fleet. The Navy is scheduled to commission its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at INS Hansa, Goa, on December 17. The multi-role helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, precision rockets, and advanced sensors, strengthening anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid growing Chinese submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region.
The first Seahawk squadron was raised at INS Garuda, Kochi, in March 2024. Of the 24 Seahawks ordered under a ₹15,157 crore contract signed in 2020, 15 have been delivered so far. A follow-on contract worth ₹7,955 crore for spares and support has also been signed.
A much larger capability enhancement is expected from 2028 onwards, when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) begins delivering 156 indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters—90 for the Army and 66 for the IAF—under a ₹62,700 crore contract signed in March 2025. Designed for high-altitude warfare in areas such as eastern Ladakh and Siachen, the Prachand helicopters will further boost India’s rotary-wing combat strength.
Over the next decade, the armed forces plan to induct more than 1,000 helicopters of various categories to replace ageing fleets and enhance operational readiness, underlining a sustained push towards modernisation and self-reliance in military aviation.
