India is set to receive its first consignment of American-made Apache attack helicopters within the next two weeks, following high-level defence discussions between New Delhi and Washington. A senior official within the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the initial batch of three Apache AH-64E helicopters is scheduled for delivery by 15 July. A second batch—comprising another three units—is expected to follow in November.
The development comes in the wake of a telephone exchange between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on 1 July 2025. During the conversation, both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral defence collaboration and explored future avenues for strategic cooperation. Minister Singh expressed appreciation for US support during Operation Sindoor, and reiterated India’s sovereign right to pre-empt cross-border terrorism and defend its national interests. He also sought expedited delivery of General Electric engines for the indigenous Tejas Mk1A fighter jets, which are being assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Talks also touched upon the proposal to establish a jet engine manufacturing unit in India, a request that Hegseth reportedly supported, promising timely delivery and project timelines. However, officials declined to provide a definitive schedule for the arrival of the GE engines.
The delivery of the six AH-64E Apache helicopters—procured under a $600 million deal signed in 2020—has already faced multiple setbacks. Initially expected between May and June 2024, the timeline was extended to December 2024 due to global supply chain disruptions. The revised schedule suggests further slippage, although the first unit is now finally imminent. Last year, the Indian Army’s Aviation Corps established its first Apache squadron in Jodhpur, but the long-awaited helicopters have remained elusive for over 15 months. Their induction forms a critical component of the Army’s ongoing modernisation strategy, and their eventual deployment along the western border is expected to significantly bolster combat readiness and deterrence capabilities.
The US Department of Defense issued a statement on 2 July, reaffirming the strategic significance of the Indo-US defence partnership. It noted that Secretary Hegseth had discussed key military sales and industrial cooperation with Minister Singh, underscoring the importance of continued engagement. Both leaders also agreed to sign a new ten-year US-India Defence Framework at their next bilateral meeting, in continuation of the February 2025 joint statement issued by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With inputs from agencies
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