Australia has taken delivery of its first two Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville.
The arrival forms part of the Government of Australia’s plan to acquire 29 AH-64E Apache Armed Reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army.
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Boeing has confirmed that two additional Apaches will be delivered by the end of 2025, maintaining the project’s timeframe.
Boeing attack helicopter programmes vice president Christina Upah said: “The delivery of the first two Australian Apaches underscores the strength of Boeing’s enduring partnership with Australia.
“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.”
Boeing is creating 230 jobs in Queensland under its seven-year Apache Initial Support Contract.
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By GlobalDataAccording to Boeing Defence Australia managing director Amy List, training for the first 36 aircraft maintenance engineer trainees and apprentices is slated to commence in January 2026.
These new recruits will join an existing CH-47F Chinook support team comprising 80 personnel.
Australia’s preparation for operating the Apache helicopters began in September 2024 when five Australian Army pilots had commenced training in the US.
The Australian Apache fleet will feature components produced by several Australian companies. These include Cablex wire harnesses and electrical panels, avionics bay shelving and machined assemblies from Axiom Precision Manufacturing, vertical spar boxes from Ferra, and composites and fairings from Mincham.
Australia is now the 18th country to operate the Apache in its armed forces. Boeing stated that there are currently approximately 1,300 helicopters operational around the world.
The new helicopters will gradually replace the existing Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters of the Australian Army.
The 1st Aviation Regiment in Townsville will be operating the AH-64E Apache fleet.
The AH-64E represents the latest version of the Apache, designed for the Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) combat environment.
Designed for network-centric warfare, the helicopter features advanced upgrades to its onboard sensors, software, and armaments, enabling it to overpower adversaries in challenging and intricate military scenarios.
The AH-64E Apache for Australian Army will be equipped with uncrewed aerial systems.
The aircraft will support exchange of tactical data with ground troops as well as with allied and joint air units.
