India has so far ordered six AH-64E Apaches for the army, which differ from those operated by the air force by wearing a desert camouflage scheme. The first three helicopters arrived in India in July 2025, while the latest delivery completes the current order.
The Indian Ministry of Defence procured the six helicopters for the army through the Direct Commercial Sales procedure, with the contract signed in 2020. Final assembly began in the summer of 2023, and deliveries were completed several months later than planned due to undisclosed delays.
All six helicopters have been assigned to the 451st Army Aviation Squadron, which is being formed at Nagtalao base in the state of Rajasthan in north-western India. The unit is intended to operate the Apaches as a dedicated attack helicopter element of the army.
In total, India has ordered 28 AH-64E Apache helicopters, of which 22 were delivered to the Indian Air Force by 2020. It cannot be ruled out that further purchases will follow for the army, as it is difficult to envisage a full squadron operating only six helicopters of this type.
