The Indian Army is preparing for the addition of six heavy-duty Apache attack helicopters armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets
Apache Helicopters
This comes as part of the Rs 5,691 crore deal signed with the US in February 2020. The delivery of these AH-64E Apache attack choppers, known as “tanks in the air,” will occur in batches between February and June next year. The IAF has already inducted 22 Apache helicopters under a separate deal worth Rs 13,952 crore signed in September 2015.
LCH Prachand
Meanwhile, the Army and IAF have finalized plans to acquire 156 indigenous ‘Prachand‘ light combat helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for offensive operations in high-altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh. Army will receive 90 Prachand choppers, while the IAF will receive 66. This order will supplement the 15 Prachand helicopters already inducted, with 10 for the IAF and 15 for the Army, as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in March last year.
Helicopters In Indian Armed Forces
These Apache helicopters will be the third iconic helicopters to be inducted into the Indian armed forces. The IAF has already inducted 15 heavy-lift Chinook choppers for Rs 8,048 crore, while the Navy has received the first batch of 24 MH-60 “Romeo” multi-mission helicopters under a contract worth Rs 15,157 crore signed in February 2020.
Advanced Multi-role Combat Helicopter
The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. Used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defence forces, India is the 16th nation to select the Apache.
The Indian Air Force has a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and in 2020, Boeing signed an agreement with the Government of India for the acquisition of six more Apache helicopters for the Indian Army.
The AH-64E is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter. It is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement, including greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
Supplying for Global Demand
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), was established in 2016 to manufacture fuselages for the AH-64 Apache. TBAL’s 14,000 sq.m. Hyderabad facility has been delivering AH-64 Apache fuselages since 2018. The advanced manufacturing facility will eventually become the sole producer of AH-64 fuselages in the world, with 90% of parts sourced from Indian suppliers.
AH-64E Apache Technical Specifications
| Standard Crew | 2 |
| Length | 48.16 ft. (14.68 m) |
| Height | 15.49 ft. (4.72 m) |
| Rotor Diameter | 48 ft. (14.63 m) |
| Primary Mission Gross Weight | 15,075 lb. (6,838 kg) |
| Maximum Operating Weight | 23,000 lb. (10,432 kg) |
| Maximum Rate of Climb | 2,800+ ft. (853+ m) per minute |
| Maximum Level Flight Speed | 150+ knots (279+ kph) |
| Service Ceiling | 20,000 ft. (6,096 m) |
| Ordnance | 16 HELLFIRE missiles; 76 2.75-inch rockets and 1,200 30 mm chain gun rounds |
| Rate of Fire | 600-650 rounds per minute |
