Australian Army’s first four Apaches enter final assembly
The Australian Army’s first four AH-64E Apache attack reconnaissance helicopters have entered final assembly at Boeing’s facility in Mesa, in the US state of Arizona.
These initial units are currently at the stages of structural assembly, electrical wiring and major sub-assembly installations.
In May 2022, the Australian government announced plans to buy 29 new AH-64E Apache helicopters for its army.
Joint aviation systems division head Major General Jeremy King stated: “The AH-64E Apache is the most contemporary and capable attack helicopter in the world.
“It allows us to continue to develop attack helicopter operations, armed reconnaissance helicopter operations, communications networking and, importantly, the ability to grow the teaming of crewed and uncrewed systems as we learn the lessons of modern warfare in the current environment.”
Once in service, the Apaches will be operated by the 1st Aviation Regiment based in Townville.
The configuration of Australia’s fleet will be aligned with that of the US Army, which plans to operate its AH-64E fleet until the mid-21st century.
This alignment is strategic for Australia as it leverages existing US training and support systems.
“We can pick up the lessons, the engineering and the logistics that the US Army has applied to their aircraft relatively easily, and that’s something we’ve been able to do with both our Black Hawk and Chinook fleets as well,” King added.
The delivery of these advanced helicopters is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2025, with all 29 to be delivered by 2029.
The Apaches will gradually replace the existing Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.
The AH-64E model will be integrated with uncrewed aerial systems and enhanced capabilities for sharing tactical information with land forces and joint and coalition air assets.
In September 2024, Australia initiated the training of five Army pilots in the US as part of preparations for receiving its first AH-64E Apache helicopters.
