Context: In a significant fillip to modernisation of military aviation capabilities, the Indian Army received the first batch of three Apache AH-64E helicopters from the US at the Hindon airbase.
Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Apache AH-64E Helicopters.
Apache AH-64E Helicopters
- The AH-64E Apache is one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters.
- Manufactured by: Boeing, the US.
Key Features:
- Warhead: The choppers are fitted with:
- Hellfire air-to-surface anti tank missile
- Stinger air-to-air missiles
- 70 mm Hydra rockets
- 30 mm automatic cannons
- Advanced Technology: AH-64E incorporates 26 new technologies to enhance battlefield performance. These include:
- Advanced Digital Connectivity
- Joint Tactical Information Distribution System
- Powerful T700-GE-701D engines with enhanced transmissions
- Improved rotor blades made of composite materials
- Ability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) mid-flight (allowing manned-unmanned teaming in real time).
- Sensors & Radar: Equipped with Longbow Fire Control Radar:
- capable of simultaneously tracking up to 128 targets and engaging up to 16 at once
- Fire-and-forget capability when combined with Hellfire missiles
- All weather operation capability.
Significance: The induction of Apache combat helicopters strengthen India’s operational capabilities against Pakistan along the Western Border and high-altitude areas.
- Can approach enemy troops covertly with relative stealth and launch as close range attack
- Capability to operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground.
- Capability to destroy enemy tanks, armoured personnel carriers and fortified positions in mountainous terrain.
- Provides cover to army tanks and infantry during battle.
Armed Forces and Apache Helicopters
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has 22 Apache Helicopters which are used for air defence and deep-strike roles targeting enemy radar installations and command posts.
- The Indian Army intends to use its fleet for close air support, tank-busting missions and battlefield dominance during armoured engagements. India signed a Rs 5691 crore deal in 2020 for 6 Apaches, specifically for the Indian Army.
Key Facts:
- In early 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 62,700 crore (approximately $7.3 billion) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 156 ‘Prachand’ Light Combat Helicopters, underscoring the increasing role of rotorcraft in India’s war-fighting doctrine.
- These helicopters- 66 for the IAF and 90 for the Indian Army- will be delivered over the next five years. This would be a significant development unfolding on the Eastern front.