AH-64E Apache Helicopter

UPSC Reference Category: GS Paper III – Defence | India-US Relations | Military Technology

What is it?

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is an advanced attack helicopter manufactured by Boeing.

Capabilities

  • Anti-armour warfare
  • Close air support
  • Reconnaissance
  • Precision strike
  • Day/night operations
  • All-weather operations.

It incorporates advanced:

  • Sensors
  • Targeting systems
  • Fire-control systems
  • Weapons
  • Network-centric capabilities.

India

India operates:

  • Indian Air Force → 22 AH-64E
  • Indian Army → 6 AH-64E, completing its first Apache fleet in 2025.

Make in India Angle

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) manufactures Apache fuselages in Hyderabad.

In September 2026, TBAL rolled out its 400th Apache fuselage.

Key Pointer

Apache → AH-64E → attack helicopter → IAF 22 + Army 6 → TBAL Hyderabad