The Indian Army on 16 December 2025 received the final three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, completing its six-aircraft fleet for the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The helicopters arrived at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad before being deployed to the western border as part of the Army’s attack aviation capability.
The first batch of three Apaches had arrived in July 2025, following a delay of around 15 months due to technical and supply chain issues in the US. The Apache AH-64E, often called the “Flying Tank,” is among the world’s most advanced multirole combat helicopters, equipped with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, a 30 mm chain gun, advanced sensors, night-fighting capabilities, and networked warfare systems—making it highly effective in mountainous and high-threat operational environments.
The Indian Army had raised its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur in March 2024, but the squadron had been awaiting the delivery of helicopters. The six Apaches were acquired under a USD 600-million deal signed in 2020, with initial deliveries planned for mid-2024. The AH-64E integrates 26 advanced technologies, including enhanced digital connectivity, the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System, improved T700-GE-701D engines, advanced rotor blades, and the ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles in real time.
Globally, over 400 AH-64Es have been delivered, with the US Army fleet logging more than 4.5 million flight hours. Separately, the Indian Air Force has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters from a separate 2015 order, further strengthening India’s attack helicopter capability.
