Apache Helicopters, Features, India’s Procurement

Context: The Indian Army Aviation Corps inaugurated the first unit to operate Apache helicopters in Jodhpur.

AH-64E Apache Helicopter or Apache Guardian

• About: AH-64E Apache, the world’s first multi-role combat helicopter.
  • AH-64E represents the most recent evolution of the Apache series.
• Manufacturer: Boeing (USA).
• Global Users: Operated by multiple countries including India, Egypt, Greece, UAE, UK and more.

Features of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

• Technical Superiority: Features state-of-the-art systems architecture, integrating latest in communication and weaponry.
• Enhanced Performance: Upgraded with better thrust, lift, and advanced digital connectivity for combat operations.
• Innovative Optics: Equipped with a novel infrared laser for precision targeting, blending infrared with night vision.

India’s Procurement

• Purchase 22 Apaches as per the agreement signed in September 2015.
• India finalised an agreement with Boeing for six additional Apaches for the Army in February 2020, costing approximately $800 million. As part of the deal, Boeing trained six Indian pilots and 24 technicians in the United States.
• This year the Army will receive the first batch of three Apaches in May and another three in July.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to Join

India- U.S Defence Ties

New Framework for India-US Defence Relations: In 2005, the two countries agreed to a New Framework for India-US Defence Relations, which included increased defence trade, joint exercises, personnel exchanges, collaboration and cooperation in maritime security and counter-piracy, and exchanges between the three services.

4th India-US 2+ 2 Ministerial Dialogue: The Dialogue held in 2022 renewed the commitment of the United States and India to expand and deepen bilateral defence cooperation. Moreover, to strengthen the defence partnership in new areas, including space and Artificial Intelligence, India and the US recently held the Inaugural India-US Advanced Domains Defence Dialogue in Delhi.

• INDUS X: The India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was recently launched in Washington to expand the strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the two governments.
• Defence Imports: India remains the world’s top arms importer, with a 4.7% increase in imports between 2014-18 and 2019-23.
  • Equipment imported by India are C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, C17 Globemaster, Boeing’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Chinook CH-47 Helicopters, P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft, and M777 howitzers.
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: India and the United States have signed an agreement for cooperation in the development of Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (ALUAV), to expand bilateral defence and military cooperation.
• Military Agreements: Various military agreements were signed between both countries:
  • 2002: General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to facilitate the sharing of military intelligence between India and the USA.
  • 2016: Logistics-Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which enables the military of both countries to use each other’s bases for logistics support such as refuelling and replenishment.
  • 2018: During the 2+2 meeting, Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), provides a legal framework for the transfer of encrypted communication security equipment from the US to India.
  • 2020: Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement(BECA) was signed for geospatial intelligence.
• NATO Plus: A powerful American Senator has recently said he plans to introduce a bill to make India part of the NATO Plus grouping that would facilitate the transfer of topmost American technology and defence equipment without much bureaucratic hassle, amid growing challenges from a rising China.
• Bilateral Military exercises Between India And the US Army/ Navy/ Airforce
  • Navy: Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), MALABAR – Multilateral
  • Army: YUDHABHAYAS & VAJRA PRAHAR
  • Air Force: RED FLAG 16-1, Exercise COPE India 23
  • Tri- military exercise: Tiger Triumph

Sharing is caring!