The Australian Army’s 16th Aviation Brigade received the second batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, an incorporation that takes place within the framework of Project LAND 4503 Phase 1 “Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Replacement.” The acquisition of the Apaches comes after Australia’s failed experience with the Tiger helicopter, a model whose operational life was plagued by problems of all kinds.
In a brief post on its social media, the Australian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the new batch of AH-64E attack helicopters consists of two units, aircraft identified with the registrations A64-603 and A64-604. The new Apaches join the burgeoning fleet of the Australian Army, totaling four units stationed at RAAF Townsville Base.
The Australian defence ministry also mentioned that the newly arrived AH-64E Apaches were rebuilt by a maintenance team led by the United States, “…and are currently in the final stage of inspections before beginning their first flights in northern Queensland in the coming weeks…”.
Just like the first units incorporated in October, the new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters were delivered by the U.S. Army, an essential part of the Project, being transported to Australia aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17A Globemaster III.
Project LAND 4503 Phase 1 aims at the incorporation of 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, a process included in a contract valued at 5.5 billion Australian dollars. In addition, the Australian Government also signed a seven-year Initial Support Contract with Boeing Defence Australia, an agreement through which “…maintenance, engineering, and logistics support are guaranteed, as well as crew and technician training for the Apache helicopter fleet and associated personnel…”.
As we reported at the beginning of 2023, the acquisition of the 29 AH-64E Apaches comes after the failure of the Tiger program, after the Australian Army tried for several years to consolidate the European-origin weapons system adapted to Australian requirements. After a considerable investment of time and resources, the Tiger would not manage to establish itself as an efficient and effective platform. The same situation was replicated with the MRH-90 Taipan transport helicopters, which were replaced by UH-60M Black Hawks.
*Cover image: MoD Australia – LAC Chris Tsakisiris
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