Indian Army Deploys First Apache Attack Helicopter Squadron Near Pakistan Border

New Delhi: In a significant move to strengthen its aerial firepower, the Indian Army inaugurated its first squadron of Apache attack helicopters on Friday. The squadron will be stationed in Jodhpur, a strategically important desert city near the border with Pakistan.

According to Indian Army officials, the Apache helicopters will be painted in desert camouflage colours, with the first batch set to arrive and join the fleet by May of this year. Despite minor delays due to global security concerns, officials reassured that the project remains on schedule.

Under a previously signed contract, the Indian Army is acquiring six Apache helicopters from the United States. Often referred to as ‘tanks in the air,’ these sophisticated attack helicopters will initially land at the Indian Air Force’s Hindon Air Force Station before being deployed in Jodhpur.

This development comes as part of the Army Aviation Corps’ efforts to bolster its fleet, which currently includes utility helicopters like the Dhruv and Chetak, along with the recent induction of the domestically developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Prachand in Missamari, Assam, last year.

It’s worth noting that the Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 22 Apache helicopters, which are deployed on both the eastern and western fronts, further strengthening the nation’s aerial defence capabilities.