The British Army received the 50th and final remanufactured AH-64E attack helicopter to the United Kingdom during a ceremony in Mesa, Ariz on March 6. This delivery bolsters its attack capabilities with the final delivery of a fully modernized AH-64E Apache helicopter. This milestone completes the U.K.’s AH-64E fleet upgrade, solidifying its position as a leading military force.
“It was fitting to celebrate the 50th and final Apache delivery to one of our closest allies in the 50th year of the Apache program,” Alex Alejo, PM Apache’s International Programs Product Manager said. “This is truly a great milestone for our nation’s partnership and a great achievement for the teams of people that made this happen.”
The British Army’s existing Apache AH-64D models were remanufactured to the advanced E-model configuration, which included integrating new fuselages, and cutting-edge technologies, using existing parts to create a highly capable and cost-effective solution. The AH-64E Apache features an open systems architecture, allowing the integration of the latest advancements in communication, navigation, detection, and weaponry. Its advanced target designation system enables operations in day and night, under all weather conditions, thanks to its night vision navigation capabilities.
“The U.S. Army has demonstrated its longstanding commitment to supporting our British allies through the delivery of the Apache. This collaboration underscores the strong defense partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom, enhancing the operational capabilities of the British Army’s Apache fleet,” Art Medellin, PM Apache Deputy Project Manager, said. “The AH-64E Apache is a 21st Century attack helicopter that is more lethal, agile, survivable and integrated and will enhance the way the British Army fights.”
Equipped with an optimized fire control radar, the Apache can identify and classify both ground and aerial targets with enhanced effectiveness in maritime environments. Versatile, highly durable, and formidable in combat, this multirole helicopter remains one of the most feared in its category.
“We are incredibly proud to accept such a cutting-edge capability and to receive the final airframe of the British Army fleet,” Mark Langrill, Defence Equipment & Support’s (DE&S) Director of Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems, said. “The Apache program is being delivered by a team drawn from across DE&S, industry, and our British Army colleagues—all of whom share a common goal: to bring the most up-to-date version of this outstanding battle-winning aircraft into service while creating and supporting jobs and skills in the UK.”
