- First batch of AH-64E helicopters lands in Jodhpur, boosting Army’s Western Command
- Armed with Hellfire and Spike missiles, the Apaches bring a lethal edge to India’s border defences
- 451 Aviation Squadron marks Army’s entry into high-tech attack helicopter warfare
New Delhi: This month, India will also get the addition of three US-based Apache AH-64E attack helicopters in its combat wing, which would make a huge difference in its fighting abilities to a significant extent. The high-end choppers are part of a contract signed in 2020 under which India will receive six such helicopters worth $800 million in a bid to strengthen Indian armed forces in the area near Pakistan, which is located in Jodhpur. The remaining three helicopters are expected to arrive by October as well, although the delivery schedule has faced multiple delays.
The Apaches will be incorporated in the newly formed 451 quality of the Army Aviation Squadron within the Army Aviation Corps of the Western Command headquartered in Jodhpur. This is a landmark decision because the Army has been unable to use the Rudra and Prachand attack helicopters that it developed indigenously for ground assault missions. The inclusion of Apaches, with their advanced weapons and precision, is expected to give the Army a competitive advantage in the desert war, particularly against armoured troops.
The Apache AH-64E is fitted with Hellfire missiles, reputed to have a range of 8 kilometres, and the Spike NLOS missile, which can strike as far as 25 kilometres. It comes along with a 30-mm automatic cannon, which can destroy tanks and armoured cars with high precision. The major uniqueness about the Apache is its state-of-the-art anti-collision (sensor) system, which allows it to operate in absolute darkness, and the fact that it can fly at a speed of up to 365 km/h with an operational range of 500 kilometres.
The Army has established three aviation brigades, namely in Misamari (Eastern Command), Leh (Northern Command) and Jodhpur (Western Command), to enhance its aviation wing. These brigades command and control the use of attack helicopters, utility choppers, and unmanned aerial vehicles, which contributes to maintaining a healthy and diverse air support system. The location of Apaches in Jodhpur is regarded as a tactical manoeuvre to deal with possible incursions by Pakistan, especially along the desert region where tank combat might prove instrumental in the event of a war.
The Army’s deal to supply Apache helicopters has been one of its long-held ambitions, especially since the Indian Air Force already possesses 22 Apache helicopters that were purchased in 2015. The army officials are hoping to procure the other 11 Apaches used by the Air Force in the future, and this should increase their armour.
Defence analysts consider the Apache deployment a strong signal for Pakistan since it is deployed close to the border, and this helicopter is unique in destroying armoured targets. Retired Major General Anil Verma stated that the Apache significantly transforms ground attack activities. Its accuracy and firepower have made it a perfect deterrent for use in deserts where tank columns could potentially appear, according to statements from Pakistan.
The Indian Army is preparing to establish a new era of aerial superiority with the arrival of the first squadron of Apaches, and the sound of these war machines is expected to resonate across the border in the upcoming months.