The first two Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter have been delivered to RAAF Base Townsville, ushering in a new era of attack helicopter capability for Australia. Boeing Defence Australia will provide support to the new fleet of Apaches under a seven‑year contract worth $306 million.
“These new attack helicopters are critical to modernising the ADF and transforming the Army into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike," Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, said.
Acquired through foreign military sales (FMS) with the United States, the Apache will provide critical aviation effects including reconnaissance, communications and networking, firepower and offensive support.
“The aircraft arrival is a major boost to Australia’s military capability and delivers new, skilled jobs at the cutting edge of aerospace,” Boeing Defence Australia, Managing Director, Amy List, said.
These helicopters are a key element of Army’s transformation into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike.
“The delivery of the first two Australian Apaches underscores the strength of Boeing’s enduring partnership with Australia,” Vice President of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, Christina Upah, affirmed.
“Working side-by-side with the Australian Army, Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group and local industry, we are delivering the world’s most advanced attack helicopter capability purpose-built to ensure battlefield dominance, bolster interoperability with allied nations, and evolve with the latest technologies for decades to come.”
The next two Apaches of the 29 ordered are on track for delivery before the end of the year, with all 29 Apache aircraft expected to be delivered by 2029.
The Australian Apache fleet will be constructed with a number of parts manufactured by Australian companies, including Cablex wire harnesses and electrical panels, Axiom Precision Manufacturing avionics bay shelving and other machined assemblies, Ferra vertical spar boxes, and Mincham composites and fairings.
“As the Apache program progresses, we will continue to integrate locally-made components into the Australian and global fleets, reinforcing our supply chain and enhancing sovereign skills," List said.
Australia is the 18th nation to add the Apache to its defence forces. Currently, there are nearly 1,300 Apaches in operation worldwide. The contract will deliver maintenance, engineering, training and logistics services.
Additional training and employment opportunities are expected to be created through the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy, which will deliver technical courses to train new industry maintenance personnel for the AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopter fleets.
The Government will also invest $700 million to provide essential infrastructure upgrades and facilities works at RAAF Base Townsville to support the introduction of the Apache fleet, and the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment and 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters.
To support the AH-64E’s introduction into service, Australian Army personnel have been undertaking training in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a number of air and ground crew already qualified on the Apache.