New Delhi: The Indian Armed Forces are set to significantly enhance their aerial and naval capabilities. The Indian Army will soon receive three additional AH-64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S., while the Indian Navy is set to commission its second MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine helicopter squadron this week.
Apache Helicopters for the Army
As part of a ₹5,691 crore deal signed in February 2020 with the U.S., India ordered six heavy-duty Apache helicopters for the Army. The first three were delivered in July 2025 after delays due to Boeing’s supply chain issues. The incoming helicopters are armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles, Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, guns, and rockets, and will join the existing fleet of 22 Apaches acquired in a 2015 deal worth ₹13,952 crore.
The Apaches will be stationed at Jodhpur, where a squadron was established last year to strengthen the western front against Pakistan. Defense officials say the helicopters will arrive in India within days.
Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk Squadron
On December 17, 2025, the Navy will commission its second Seahawk squadron at INS Hansa, Goa. These helicopters are equipped with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, precision-kill rockets, and advanced sensors, addressing current operational gaps.
Future Plans: Indigenous Helicopters
Looking ahead, from 2028 onwards, the Indian Armed Forces will start receiving 156 indigenous “Prachand” light combat helicopters. Over the next 10–15 years, the Army and Air Force will require over 1,000 new helicopters of various types to replace aging Cheetah and Chetak models. This includes 484 light utility helicopters (3.5-ton class) and 419 Indian Multi-Role Helicopters (10–15 ton class), although HAL projects have experienced delays.
Strategic Impact
The new Apache and Seahawk helicopters will double India’s combat capability in the air and at sea, strengthening deterrence and operational readiness against regional threats from Pakistan and China.
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