Ukrainian Cargo Giant An-124 to Transport New Apache Helicopters to India

The Ukrainian An-124 Ruslan heavy transport aircraft has been tasked with delivering new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters intended for the Indian Army.

The incident was reported by KIWA Spotter, a photographer who published pictures of the loading of three helicopters onto the plane in the German city of Leipzig.

The published photos show that the helicopters are already painted in the camouflage colors of the Indian army. One of them has the tail number IA7105, confirming it belongs to the new batch.

The previous vehicles in this series – IA7101, IA7102, and IA7103 – were delivered to India in July 2025.

The delivery is part of a US$600 million contract between India and Boeing.

The agreement, signed in 2020, provides for the transfer of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the country’s army aviation.

It was planned that the equipment would arrive in India in May-June 2024, but the delivery was delayed by almost a year and a half due to logistical difficulties.

As part of the army aviation modernization program, the 451st Helicopter Squadron was established in the Indian city of Jodhpur to receive the new Apache.

The squadron’s main task will be to support ground troops, destroy enemy armored vehicles, and protect its own units during combat operations.

AH-64E Apache helicopters are characterized by high maneuverability, powerful weapons, and modern guidance systems that ensure effective operation day and night.

In addition to the army aviation, these vehicles are also in service with the Indian Air Force, which was the first to receive this equipment under a previous contract.

Currently, the Indian Air Force has 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters, which are already actively used in combat training and exercises.