The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a safety check on its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters last week, and all 22 helicopters have now been cleared to resume flying.
This inspection was prompted by a recent announcement from the US Army, which on October 2 instructed a temporary halt to flights of AH-64E Apache helicopters equipped with an upgraded drive system. The US Army operates several hundred Apache helicopters and called for a stop in operations until necessary inspections and repairs were completed.
Officials have confirmed that experts thoroughly examined the IAF fleet last week and found no issues that would require keeping them grounded. A senior IAF official stated, “So far, no problem has been detected with the fleet.”
In addition to the US-made Apache helicopters, the IAF’s fleet includes Russian Mi35 helicopters and indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The IAF employs these attack helicopters as a versatile component of its air force, bridging the operational gap between fixed-wing aircraft and ground troops, particularly in the rugged terrain along India’s northern borders.
The AH-64E Apache joined the IAF in 2019 and is stationed at two bases—Pathankot in Punjab and Jorhat in Assam. This helicopter is designed to carry a wide range of armaments, including air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets, and air-to-air Stinger missiles. Additionally, it is equipped with a 30 mm gun that has a capacity of 1,200 rounds. To enhance its combat capabilities, the Apache features advanced fire control radar with full 360-degree coverage and a nose-mounted sensor suite that includes night vision systems for effective target acquisition.
