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Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian
OngoingThe US State Department approved a possible $198.2 million follow-on support sale for the 28-aircraft fleet on 2026-05-18.
In May 2026, the US State Department approved a possible $198.2 million Foreign Military Sale for follow-on support of India's AH-64E Apache fleet. On 9 April 2026, Indian defence media reported the Army's first live field firing with the type at Pokhran after the helicopters had integrated with mechanised forces during Exercise Amogh Jwala in March. Arrival of the final three Army aircraft in December 2025 completed its six-helicopter order, following the first three delivered in July. The Indian Air Force had already received all 22 aircraft ordered in 2015, with Boeing confirming completion in 2020. The combined 28-aircraft fleet gives India a networked, precision anti-armour and armed-reconnaissance capability for both plains and demanding high-altitude sectors.
Updated 18 May 2026
Verified figures
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Crew | 2 ↗ |
| Length | 48.2 ft (14.7 m) ↗ |
| Height | 15.5 ft (4.7 m) ↗ |
| Main-rotor diameter | 48.0 ft (14.6 m) ↗ |
| Primary-mission gross weight | 15,075 lb (6,838 kg) ↗ |
| Maximum operating weight | 23,000 lb (10,433 kg) ↗ |
| Maximum climb rate | More than 2,800 ft/min (853 m/min) ↗ |
| Maximum level speed | More than 150 kt (279 km/h) ↗ |
| Service ceiling | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) ↗ |
| Maximum ordnance load | 16 Hellfire missiles, 76 2.75-inch rockets and 1,200 rounds of 30 mm ammunition ↗ |
Spec sources: boeing.com ↗
Changelog
Program timeline
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The US State Department approved a possible $198.2 million Foreign Military Sale covering AH-64E sustainment services, engineering and logistics support, training and technical data for India.
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Indian defence media reported that Indian Army AH-64Es had fired Hellfire missiles during Exercise Brahmastra at Pokhran in the service's first live field firing with the Apache; the precise firing date was not disclosed.
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The Army concluded Exercise Amogh Jwala at Babina after integrating its newly inducted Apache helicopters with mechanised formations during the March 6-18 drill.
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The US Embassy in India announced arrival of the final three AH-64Es for the Indian Army, completing the six-helicopter order.
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Boeing delivered the first three of six AH-64E Apaches ordered for the Indian Army, with the aircraft arriving at Hindon Air Force Station.
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An Apache engaged targets with air-to-ground guided missiles in the type's first firepower appearance at Exercise Vayu Shakti.
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Boeing announced completion of the Indian Air Force's 22-aircraft Apache delivery programme after the last five helicopters were handed over at Hindon in June.
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The Indian Air Force formally inducted the AH-64E at Air Force Station Pathankot; eight aircraft were in India for the ceremony.
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Boeing announced that India's Ministry of Defence had finalised production, training and support orders for 22 AH-64E Apaches and 15 CH-47F Chinooks.
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