Entering the final preparation phase for the delivery of the first AH-64E Apache attack helicopters destined to equip the Australian Army, Boeing—the company responsible for their production—is finalizing the details. This acquisition is part of a strategic effort to enhance the Army’s combat capabilities by replacing the current and problematic fleet of ARH EC665 Tiger helicopters.
Boeing has made significant progress in the production of the 29 units purchased by Australia under a contract valued at 5.5 billion Australian dollars (approximately 3.218 billion euros). Final assembly work is being carried out at Boeing’s facilities in Mesa, Arizona (USA), where the helicopters are undergoing rigorous systems and flight testing before shipment.
Meanwhile, the Australian Army has already begun training its pilots and maintenance crews to operate the new Apaches. Through a training program in the United States, future operators are becoming familiar with the helicopter’s capabilities prior to its deployment in Australian territory.
Once delivered, the AH-64E Apaches will be assigned to the 1st Aviation Brigade based in Darwin, strengthening defense in the Indo-Pacific region. The transition is expected to be completed by 2027, with the first helicopters arriving in the coming months. As a result, the Tiger helicopters will be gradually phased out.
The incorporation of the AH-64E represents a qualitative leap for the Australian Armed Forces, providing a combat-proven attack platform that is highly interoperable with allies such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
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