India, with its rapidly modernizing defense capabilities, has focused extensively on enhancing its rotary-wing fleet, particularly attack helicopters. These helicopters play a critical role in providing close air support, anti-tank warfare, and battlefield reconnaissance. India’s defense forces operate a range of attack helicopters, known for their versatility, speed, and firepower. Here is an overview of the key attack helicopters in service with the Indian Armed Forces:
Top 5 Attack Helicopters of India
HAL Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter – ALH)
- Role: Utility helicopter, also armed for combat roles
- Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-pilot/Gunner)
- Length: 15.87 m
- Height: 4.98 m
- Max Speed: 295 km/h
- Range: 630 km
- Service Ceiling: 6,096 m
- Armament:
- 20 mm turret gun
- 70 mm rocket pods
- Air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles
- Notable Features: Can perform multi-role functions including reconnaissance, troop transport, and medical evacuation.
2. Boeing AH-64E Apache
- Role: Attack helicopter
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-pilot/Gunner)
- Length: 17.73 m
- Height: 3.87 m
- Max Speed: 293 km/h
- Range: 476 km
- Service Ceiling: 6,400 m
- Armament:
- 30 mm M230 chain gun
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
- Hydra 70 rocket pods
- AIM-92 Stinger air-to-air missiles
- Notable Features: Equipped with advanced sensors, radar systems (Longbow), and avionics for day/night operations and battlefield surveillance.
3. Mil Mi-35
- Role: Attack helicopter, also capable of troop transport
- Manufacturer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-pilot/Gunner)
- Length: 21.6 m
- Height: 6.5 m
- Max Speed: 310 km/h
- Range: 450 km
- Service Ceiling: 4,500 m
- Armament:
- 23 mm twin-barrel cannon
- AT-6 Spiral anti-tank guided missiles
- S-8 rocket pods
- 9M114 Shturm air-to-ground missiles
- Notable Features: A combination of attack and transport capabilities, allowing it to carry troops (up to 8 soldiers) while being heavily armed for combat missions.
4. HAL LCH Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter)
- Role: Attack helicopter, specialized for high-altitude operations
- Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Crew: 2 (Pilot and Co-pilot/Gunner)
- Length: 15.8 m
- Height: 4.7 m
- Max Speed: 268 km/h
- Range: 550 km
- Service Ceiling: 6,500 m
- Armament:
- 20 mm turret gun
- 70 mm rocket pods
- Mistral air-to-air missiles
- Helina anti-tank guided missiles
- Notable Features: Specifically designed for high-altitude warfare, capable of operating in extreme conditions like Siachen Glacier. Compact and agile, ideal for precision strikes.
5. MH-60 Romeo (Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk)
- Role: Multi-role maritime helicopter, can perform anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare
- Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
- Crew: 4 (Pilot, Co-pilot, 2 Tactical Operators)
- Length: 19.76 m
- Height: 5.1 m
- Max Speed: 267 km/h
- Range: 834 km
- Service Ceiling: 3,440 m
- Armament:
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
- Mark 54 torpedoes
- 7.62 mm machine guns
- Advanced dipping sonar, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment
- Notable Features: Primarily used by the Indian Navy for anti-submarine and anti-ship missions. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors for naval operations and capable of carrying out search and rescue missions as well.
Conclusion
India’s attack helicopter fleet has undergone significant upgrades in recent years, transitioning from legacy platforms like the Mi-35 Hind to modern helicopters like the AH-64E Apache and the indigenous LCH and Rudra. These helicopters form the backbone of India’s close air support and anti-armor operations. With the induction of new, state-of-the-art platforms, India is better equipped to handle both conventional and asymmetric warfare, ensuring its defense forces maintain a tactical edge in challenging terrains and operational scenarios.
