Boeing delivered the first AH-64E Apache designated for the Royal Netherlands Air Force in October 2022. The initial six helicopters were sent to Fort Hood, Texas, starting in December 2022, where they joined the 302nd Training Squadron for Dutch personnel training. By 2025, this squadron’s capacity will be enhanced with two additional units. The remaining 20 helicopters are slated for delivery to Europe to re-equip the 301st Helicopter Squadron.
The Netherlands is the second European operator of the Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters. Through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procedure, the country contracted a thorough overhaul of 28 existing AH-64D Apache Longbows. The entire delivery is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. According to the Dutch Defence Ministry, the new generation AH-64E Apaches are anticipated to be operational at least until the mid-21st century.
