Indian Army Enhances Combat Aviation with Upcoming Apache Helicopter Induction
The Indian Army is poised to enhance its combat aviation arsenal with the arrival of three Apache AH-64 attack helicopters from the United States by late 2025. This marks the conclusion of a prolonged delay attributed to global supply chain disruptions.
Renowned for their formidable capabilities, the Apache helicopters are considered as “tanks in the air.” They come armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, cannons, and rockets, thereby significantly boosting the Army’s strike and anti-armour potential. According to defence officials, these helicopters are anticipated to arrive in India soon and will be stationed in Jodhpur to strengthen operations near the western border with Pakistan.
In February 2020, India finalized a ₹5,691 crore agreement with the US to procure six Apache helicopters for the Army. The initial batch of three was delivered in July 2025, with the remaining three scheduled for delivery by the end of the year. These helicopters will complement the 22 Apache units previously inducted by the Indian Air Force between 2019 and 2020 under a separate contract.
Parallel to the Army's efforts, the Indian Navy is expanding its own rotary-wing fleet. The Navy plans to commission its second squadron of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at INS Hansa in Goa on December 17. These versatile helicopters, equipped with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, precision rockets, and advanced sensors, will bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities amidst escalating Chinese submarine activities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The first Seahawk squadron was established at INS Garuda in Kochi in March 2024. Out of the 24 Seahawks ordered under a ₹15,157 crore deal signed in 2020, 15 have already been delivered. Additionally, a follow-on contract valued at ₹7,955 crore has been secured for spares and support.
A significant enhancement in capability is anticipated from 2028 onwards, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to deliver 156 indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters—90 for the Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force—under a ₹62,700 crore agreement signed in March 2025. Tailored for high-altitude warfare in regions like eastern Ladakh and Siachen, the Prachand helicopters will further augment India’s rotary-wing combat capacity.
In the coming decade, the armed forces are planning to induct over 1,000 helicopters across various categories. This initiative aims to replace aging fleets and improve operational readiness, reflecting a continuous drive towards modernization and self-reliance in military aviation.
