Context :
- First batch of 3 Apache AH-64E helicopters to be delivered by July 15, 2025.
- Second batch of 3 helicopters expected by November 2025.
- These helicopters are part of the Army Aviation Corps’ first dedicated Apache squadron, headquartered in Jodhpur.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security, Defence)
Background & Strategic Relevance
- Apache helicopters are among the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters globally:
- Equipped with Hellfire missiles, night vision systems, and precision strike capability.
- Enhances air-to-ground offensive capability of Indian Army, especially in Western and Northern frontiers.
- Delay: The squadron was raised over 15 months ago, but lacked the actual aircraft.
Defence Ministerial Talks: Rajnath Singh & Pete Hegseth
- Held a telephonic conversation to review and accelerate defence cooperation.
- Rajnath Singh:
- Thanked the U.S. for support during Operation Sindoor.
- Reiterated India’s right to pre-emptively defend itself against cross-border terrorism.
- Urged timely delivery of:
- Apache helicopters.
- GE engines for Tejas Mk1A (Light Combat Aircraft).
- Requested production setup of GE engines in India as part of Make in India.
- Pete Hegseth:
- Assured timely deliveries.
- Committed to setting up a jet engine manufacturing unit in India.
Jet Engine Collaboration: GE & HAL
- GE–HAL collaboration is crucial to India’s indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1A programme.
- Engine: Likely to be F414-GE-INS6 model.
- Part of the broader Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) between India–U.S.
- Signals movement toward technology transfer, co-development, and co-production.
Strategic and Geopolitical Implications
- Reflects deepening India–U.S. defence industrial partnership, especially amid:
- Rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
- Cross-border security threats.
- Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence through localized manufacturing.
- Strengthens deterrence posture via enhanced Army air power.
