Indian Army sets up first Apache attack helicopter squadron
India has already been operating 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. (Photo: Boeing)
The Indian Army has established its inaugural Apache AH-64E attack helicopter squadron at Nagtalao Army Base. The Boeing-made helicopters will be operated by the 451st Army Aviation Squadron (AH), with the initial batch scheduled to arrive in May.
India has already been operating 22 AH-64Es. The first attack platform for the Indian Air Force entered the production line at Boeing’s Mesa facility in the US in April 2018. The order for the six additional platforms for the Indian Army was sealed in 2017.
Many countries operate the Apache, with the E model being the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet’s backbone.
According to a January 2022 news release, the US Army considered the AH-64E Version 6 helicopters to be the final iteration of the platform, but Boeing announced last October the successful maiden flight of the latest version of the AH-64E, known as Version 6.5 (V6.5).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
AH-64E Apache (Indian Air Force)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.