Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:In a major development that will further strengthen the Indian Army’s warfare store, the US Embassy on December 17 announced the delivery of the remaining three AH-64E Boeing Apache attack helicopters, reported IANS.
Taking it to X, the US Embassy wrote, “Delivering on the US President and Indian Prime Minister’s joint statement, the arrival of the latest Boeing India AH-64E Apache helicopters for the Indian Army marks another step forward in the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This milestone reflects the reliable and growing US-India Defence partnership and fulfils commitments made by the Secretary of War and the Defence Ministry of India.”
“With its cutting-edge capabilities, the Apache strengthens our shared vision for regional security and deepens cooperation in coproduction, training, and technology exchange,” it said. The delivery comes after repeated delays. Notably, the Army received the first slot of these three helicopters in July.
The Indian Army Aviation Corps had been waiting for the first slot of three Apache helicopters since 2024, as they were originally planned to be delivered in May 2024.
As part of an $800 million agreement signed with the United States in 2020, the Indian Army was to receive these six fighter helicopters. AH-64E is one of the world’s most advanced helicopters, and its induction into the Indian Army is likely to boost operational capabilities. These specially designed killer helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, 2.75-inch rockets and 30 mm chain gun rounds.