The new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters will replace the Australian Army’s existing Tiger helicopters.
The Government of Australia has unveiled plans to procure 29 new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Australian Army.
The new AH-64E helicopters will replace the service’s existing Tiger helicopters.
“Boeing will continue to expand its industry capability and supply chain in Australia by selecting Australian suppliers to support this critical programme,” Boeing Defence Australia managing director Scott Carpendale said.
The AH-64E Apache advanced and fully-integrated capabilities are combat proven by more than 1.2 million combat flight hours in service with the US Army and a global fleet of more than 1200 helicopters across 16 countries. The Apache is the most tested, proven attack helicopter flying today, with more than 4.6 million flight hours by the US Army alone.
According to Boeing Australia, the only platform that meets all of the Australian Army’s expected LAND 4503 program (that aims to acquire a proven and mature, off-the-shelf manned armed helicopter to deliver armed reconnaissance effects in the close and deep contested battlespace in support of the Australian Defence Force) requirements without modification, the AH-64E Apache offers proven Link 16 networking and Manned Unmanned Teaming Unmanned Aerial System integration capability today.
The other contenders for LAND 4503 program were the Bell AH-1Z Viper and the ARH Tiger Upgrade.
The Apache’s foreign military sale process provides cost certainty through the agreement between the US Government and Australia. Under this arrangement, Australia will also benefit from mature support services, as well as future upgrades.
The Australian Government also announced plans to procure 12 MH-60R Romeo maritime helicopters.
The helicopters, which will replace the Navy’s existing Taipan fleet, will be based at HMAS Albatross. Another Romeo helicopter, that will replace the one lost last year, will also be based at the naval air station.
According to Army Technology, the deliveries of the new helicopters will start from 2025.
Photo credit: Boeing Australia
