The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, marking the completion of its six-unit fleet. These assets are now part of the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, boosting operational readiness along the western borders.
The Acquisition:
- The Deal: Signed in February 2020 with the United States (Boeing) for $600 million.
- Fleet Strength: The deal comprised six helicopters for the Indian Army.
- Note: The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apaches.
- Delivery Timeline: Delayed due to global supply chain disruptions; originally scheduled for May 2024, completed in late 2025 following high-level defence dialogues.
- Deployment: Stationed at Jodhpur to cater specifically to operational requirements on the Western Front.
About AH-64E Apache (Apache Guardian)
- Origin: United States (Manufacturer: Boeing).
- Classification: World’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
- Key Roles:
- Advanced reconnaissance.
- Precision strikes.
- Close air support in contested environments.
- Anti-armour operations (often called “Tank Busters”).
- Global Presence: Used by the US Army and nations including Egypt, Israel, Japan, UK, and UAE.
Strategic Significance
- Operational Synergy: The induction enhances the Army’s dedicated attack helicopter capability, previously reliant on the IAF for heavy attack support.
- Modernisation: Represents a shift towards state-of-the-art avionics and night-fighting capabilities compared to older Soviet-origin fleets.
- Bilateral Relations: Underscores the deepening India-US defence partnership, reinforced by recent talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Q. With reference to the ‘AH-64E Apache’ helicopters, consider the following statements:
- The AH-64E is a single-role reconnaissance helicopter designed primarily for high-altitude surveillance.
- India is the only nation in Asia to operate the Apache Guardian variant.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
ANS : D
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect. The AH-64E Apache is a multi-role combat helicopter, not a single-role reconnaissance platform. It performs various roles including precision strikes, close air support, anti-armour operations, and reconnaissance.
Statement 2 is incorrect. India is not the only nation in Asia to operate the Apache Guardian. Other Asian nations, such as Japan, Indonesia, Israel, South Korea, and Singapore, also operate this platform.