Indian Army' Aviation Corps Set To Deploy Its First Apache Attack Chopper Squadron In Jodhpur

India's defence capabilities along its western border with Pakistan are set to be further strengthened as the Indian Army is gearing up for deploying its first squadron of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. 

Six Boeing-made attack choppers are set to reach Jodhpur, Rajasthan today (15 March).

These helicopters will be deployed in a new squadron in Jodhpur in the Army Aviation Corps, Times of India reported.

The squadron will be primarily oriented towards guarding against incursions by the Pakistani military.

Earlier, Boeing had delivered 22 Apache helicopters AH-64E model to Indian Air Force in 2020.

“The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 22 AH-64Es. The Army Aviation Corps ordered a total of six AH-64Es. Acquiring these means bolstering the capabilities of Indian air power, joining other nations such as the Netherlands, Egypt, Greece, Israel, South Korea, and several others that operate the aircraft," a defence spokesperson was quoted as saying in the ToI report.

Recognised as the world's most advanced combat helicopter, the Apache AH-64E boasts an advanced night vision system and can be armed with missiles capable of striking 138 targets in a minute. It has a maximum speed of 280 km/h.

The helicopter is outfitted with AGM 114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Stinger missiles for aerial threats.

Hellfire missiles are effective against armoured vehicles such as tanks and BMPs, while Stinger missiles can neutralise airborne threats. Additionally, the Hydra-70 unguided missiles on the helicopter can take out ground-based targets.

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