India is set to take delivery of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States in July 2025, marking a significant addition to its military aviation capabilities. The helicopters will be officially inducted during a ceremony on July 15, 2025, at the Jodhpur Army Aviation Base in Rajasthan, where they will be stationed. The 451 Aviation Squadron, established in March 2024, will operate these helicopters under the Thar Raptors Aviation Brigade.

The AH-64E Apache, manufactured by Boeing, is a twin-engine attack helicopter designed for multi-role missions, including anti-armor, close air support, and air-to-air engagements. Each helicopter is equipped with a 30×113mm M230 chain gun, capable of firing up to 625 rounds per minute with high precision against ground targets. The Apache’s primary anti-armor weapon is the AGM-114 Hellfire missile, which offers laser-guided or radar-guided options for engaging fortified positions or moving targets. For area suppression, the helicopters carry Hydra-70 unguided rockets, effective against soft targets and troop concentrations. Additionally, the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missiles provide the capability to counter aerial threats, such as enemy helicopters or drones.

The Apache features advanced avionics, including the Target Acquisition and Designation System (TADS) and Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS), enabling operations in low-visibility conditions. Its radar dome, the Longbow Fire Control Radar, enhances target detection and engagement in adverse weather or obscured environments. There is also potential for future integration of the Spike family of missiles, which could expand the helicopter’s versatility with advanced fire-and-forget capabilities.

The helicopters will be based at the Jodhpur Army Aviation Base, located in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, a strategically important region due to its proximity to India’s western border. The 451 Aviation Squadron, formed specifically to operate these Apaches, will leverage the helicopters’ advanced sensors and networked warfare systems to conduct missions ranging from precision strikes to reconnaissance. The Apaches’ ability to operate in diverse terrains, combined with their robust armament, positions them as a key asset for a variety of operational scenarios.