In a significant development, the Indian Army has inaugurated its first Apache attack helicopter squadron in the desert sector, located in Jodhpur near the Pakistan border. The squadron was formally raised today in Jodhpur, with the presence of Director General Indian Army Aviation Lt Gen Ajay Suri and officials from Boeing, the original manufacturer.
The Indian Army’s Apache helicopters will be painted in desert camouflage colors, with the initial batch of choppers expected to arrive and join the fleet by May this year. Although there has been a slight delay due to the ongoing global security situation, officials assure that the process is back on track.
Under a contract with the US, the Indian Army has procured six Apache helicopters, which are renowned as “tanks in the air” for their advanced attack capabilities. These helicopters will initially land at the Indian Air Force’s Hindon Air Force Station before being deployed in Jodhpur, near the India-Pakistan border.
This development adds to the Indian Army Aviation Corps’ existing fleet, which includes utility helicopters like the Dhruv and Chetak, as well as the indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand, inducted at Missamari, Assam last year.
It’s noteworthy that the Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, deployed on both the eastern and western fronts, further enhancing India’s defense capabilities in the region.
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