Short Description
US President Donald Trump’s claim about India ordering 68 Apache helicopters raises eyebrows amidst discrepancies in delivery records and military contracts, highlighting the evolving landscape of Indian defense procurement.
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4 minutes
Main Article
US President Donald Trump recently claimed that India ordered 68 Apache helicopters, suggesting significant delays prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a meeting with him to address the issue. However, an investigation into official contracts, delivery records, and discussions with military experts reveals that India only ordered 28 Apache helicopters, all of which were delivered by December 2025.
Trump’s comments reflect a pattern of exaggerated claims regarding US military sales, often simplifying complex timelines and figures. In truth, India’s acquisition process for the Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters occurred in two distinct phases rather than as a single massive order. The first deal, signed in September 2015, involved 22 helicopters for the Indian Air Force, valued at approximately $2.2 billion. These units were delivered on schedule, with the final delivery completed during Trump’s first term.
The second deal, signed in February 2020 during Trump’s visit to India, covered six Apaches for the Indian Army and encountered considerable delays. Originally set for delivery in early 2024, the first batch arrived only in July 2025, with the complete order finalized by December 2025. These setbacks stemmed from post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and technical issues in Boeing’s production line, further complicating the procurement process.
Interestingly, Trump’s inflated figures may have resulted from a conflation of multiple orders, as India also purchased CH-47F Chinook helicopters around the same timeframe. Deliveries for these totaled 15 units, all of which arrived between 2019 and 2020, but even combined, these totals fall short of the figure Trump cited.
Amidst these procurement challenges, India appears to be shifting away from reliance on foreign military hardware. The nation’s “Make in India” initiative emphasizes domestic defense capabilities, evident in the development of the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter. This lighter, high-altitude helicopter is designed for operations in challenging terrains, signifying India’s shift towards self-sufficiency.
The narrative around these Apache helicopters highlights not just geopolitical relations, but also the underlying dynamics of the Indian defense sector. While Trump’s exaggerated claims may attract media attention, they underscored India’s strategic intention to bolster indigenous military production and reduce foreign dependency.
Short Summary
In summary, President Trump’s assertion that India ordered 68 Apache helicopters misrepresents the realities of defense procurement, revealing significant delays and a strategic pivot towards indigenous solutions in India’s military capabilities.
