Australia has taken delivery of its first two Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, part of an order for 29 of the type.
The first two aircraft arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville, on the country’s northeast coast, on Oct. 2.
“The delivery of the first two Australian Apaches underscores the strength of Boeing’s enduring partnership with Australia,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, in a statement.
“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.”
Two additional Apaches are on track for delivery before the end of the year, Boeing said. The company has a seven-year initial support contract that is expected to create at least 230 jobs in the state of Queensland.
The first 36 aircraft maintenance engineer trainees and apprentices begin training in January, joining an existing crew of 80 maintainers for the Boeing CH-47F Chinook.
“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,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia.
Australia joins 17 other countries with the Apache in their defense forces, with 1,300 of the type in operation worldwide. A number of Australian Army air and ground crew are already qualified on the Apache after training in the United States and United Kingdom, the defense ministry said.
It’s expected all 29 Apache aircraft will be delivered by 2029.
