Apache Helicopters Set for Delivery Within Two Weeks After India-U.S. Defence Talks
First Batch of Three AH-64E Apache Helicopters to Arrive by July 15, Confirms Defence Ministry
In a major boost to India’s combat capabilities, the first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States will be delivered to the Indian Army by July 15, 2025, according to senior Defence Ministry officials.
This significant development follows high-level talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 1, 2025, where both leaders reviewed ongoing and upcoming initiatives to strengthen India-U.S. defence cooperation.
“We have been assured that the first three Apache helicopters will be delivered in the next two weeks. The next batch of three will follow in November this year,” said a senior official familiar with the discussions.
Key Highlights of the India-U.S. Defence Talks
During their phone conversation, Mr. Singh thanked Mr. Hegseth for the U.S.’s support during Operation Sindoor and reiterated India’s commitment to pre-empt and deter cross-border terror threats.
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Mr. Singh sought timely delivery of U.S.-made General Electric (GE) engines for the Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft, currently under production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
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Discussions also included setting up a jet engine production unit in India to boost indigenous manufacturing.
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Mr. Hegseth assured expedited delivery of the GE engines and said the production unit will be established within a “committed timeframe.”
However, no specific dates were provided for the delivery of the GE engines for the LCA Tejas program.
Apache Deal Timeline: Delays and Delivery
India had signed a $600 million deal in 2020 with the U.S. for six Apache AH-64E helicopters. Originally, the delivery was scheduled for May-June 2024 but faced repeated delays due to global supply chain disruptions, pushing the timeline to December 2024 and beyond.
Now, with the new schedule:
✅ First Batch: 3 Apache helicopters to be delivered by July 15, 2025
✅ Second Batch: 3 helicopters by November 2025
These helicopters will be inducted into the Indian Army Aviation Corps, which had raised its first Apache squadron at Jodhpur last year.
Boost to Army’s Combat Capabilities
The induction of Apache helicopters is a crucial step in the Indian Army’s modernization plans. Equipped with cutting-edge weapons and systems, the AH-64E Apache is among the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters.
Their deployment along India’s western borders is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s ability to carry out precision strikes and bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities.
What the U.S. Said
The U.S. Department of Defence, in a statement on July 2, 2025, said:
“Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth emphasized the priority the United States places on India as its key defence partner in South Asia.”
This reflects Washington’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with New Delhi amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information published by The Hindu. For the original report, visit: The Hindu Original Article
External Links
🔗 Indian Ministry of Defence – Official Website
🔗 U.S. Department of Defence – Official Website
🔗 Apache AH-64E Helicopter Overview – Boeing
🔗 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft Program – HAL
🔗 The Hindu: Apache Helicopters Delivery News
