UK receives final AH-64E Apache helicopter, completing 50-aircraft order

By Defence Industry Europe

The British Ministry of Defence has announced the receipt of the final AH-64E Apache attack helicopter from Boeing. The handover took place at Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Mesa, Arizona, where the final assembly of these helicopters is conducted.

 

The United Kingdom ordered a total of 50 AH-64E Apache helicopters by upgrading its existing fleet of WAH-64D models. This modernisation effort ensures compatibility with other international users, which is expected to reduce operational costs and enhance readiness levels.

Currently, 47 of the helicopters have already been delivered and are in the UK. The remaining three are scheduled to arrive in the coming weeks via air transport.

Deliveries of the AH-64E Apache to the British Army began in November 2020. In October 2023, the first aviation regiment achieved initial operational capability with the new helicopters.

While deliveries were initially planned to conclude in 2024, logistical challenges have extended the timeline by an additional year. The UK remains the largest European operator of the AH-64E Apache, though Poland is set to surpass this as it progresses with its order of 96 aircraft.

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