Jodhpur: India is set to bolster its defense capabilities along the Pakistan border in western Rajasthan, with the imminent deployment of six Apache AH-64E fighter helicopters manufactured by American aerospace company, Boeing. Scheduled for arrival in Jodhpur on Friday, these helicopters will augment the newly established squadron within the Army Aviation Corps.
Under a previous agreement, Boeing had delivered 22 Apache AH-64Es to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2020. The operation of these advanced combat helicopters, equipped with cutting-edge night vision systems and missiles boasting a strike rate of 138 targets per minute, places India in an elite league of nations possessing such formidable aerial capabilities.
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According to a defense spokesperson quoted by ET, “The IAF currently operates 22 AH-64Es, while the Army Aviation Corps has ordered an additional six,” reaffirming that this procurement significantly bolsters India’s air power, aligning it with countries like the Netherlands, Egypt, Greece, Israel, and South Korea, all of which deploy these aircraft.
The forthcoming squadron, slated for induction on March 15, will be stationed in Jodhpur, assuming a crucial role in deterring potential threats emanating from the Pakistani military.
Renowned globally as the pinnacle of combat helicopter technology, the Apache AH-64E boasts a state-of-the-art night vision system and is armed with missiles capable of targeting 138 adversaries per minute.
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With a top speed of 280 km/h, it represents a formidable asset in any aerial engagement scenario.
The Apache AH-64E is outfitted with AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Stinger missiles for aerial defense, and Hydra-70 unguided missiles for ground targets. This armament provides a robust response to both ground-based and aerial threats, with the Hellfire missiles engineered specifically to neutralize armored vehicles such as tanks and BMPs.
