14 Received To Date – Total 50 by 2024
The British Army is putting a number of its newly-acquired AH-64E Apache attack helicopters through a flight test process, the MoD announced on 21 January.
The service has taken delivery of 14 to date, with a further 36 due to arrive by 2024, according to the ministry. The aircraft are expected to achieve operational capability in 2023, bringing a bost to the army’s aerial combat capabilities. The aircraft feature improved sensors, communications and lethality, upgraded weapon systems and a 300km/h top speed. They can detect 256 potential targets at ranges up to 16km, prioritising the most urgent threats within seconds.
The British Army has been using Apache capability since 2005, deploying helicopters to Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. Acquisition of the AH-64E – announced in 2016 under a $2.3 billion deal – is entirely in line with the recently-announced Army ambitions to transform the service into a more agile, lethal expeditionary force.
A 20-year agreement has been signed with Boeing Defence UK to maintain and support the new fleet. With £287 million ($389 million)confirmed for the first contract period, to July 2025, the agreement will create more than 200 jobs in the UK. The Long-Term Training and Support Service (LTTSS) from Boeing will progressively take over from the initial support and conversion training provided by the US government under Foreign Military Sale arrangements. The new contract will cover aircraft design organisation services, maintenance, logistics support, plus pilot, maintainer and groundcrew training.
“Within Future Soldier, we committed to winning the deep battle so that the close battle is as anti-climactic as possible, thereby reducing the risk to our people. The AH-64E is a truly world-beating capability that will, alongside other capabilities we are introducing, ensure we succeed,” commented Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lt Gen Sir Chris Tickell.