Boeing has successfully delivered the last of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to the British Army, completing a significant contract that started in 2016. The handover took place at Boeing’s facility in Arizona, with the delivery marking the 50th aircraft of the program. Following its delivery, the helicopter will undergo additional evaluations before being stationed in Suffolk in 2026.
Once operational, the new Apache will join the active Apache units at Wattisham Flying Station and contribute to the training fleet at the British Army Aviation Centre located in Middle Wallop, Hampshire. Col. David Amlôt, who oversees the British Army Combat Aviation Program, emphasized the strategic significance of this procurement. He stated that it enhances the interoperability with NATO allies and other partners, anticipating that by the end of the decade, 19 nations will be operating the Apache, thereby reinforcing collective deterrence.
The completion of this procurement comes at a cost of approximately £1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) for the UK government. The AH-64E model is an upgrade from the British Army’s previous D-model Apache, which has been in service for over two decades. The new model features a modern fuselage and next-generation avionics that facilitate enhanced operational capabilities in various weather conditions throughout the day.
The British Army conducted tests of the AH-64E for frontline missions in 2023 and confirmed its operational capability in the same year, marking a significant milestone in their aviation capabilities. Boeing UK President Maria Laine heralded the delivery of the last Apache as a major accomplishment in Boeing’s long-standing alliance with the UK, a partnership that has lasted over 80 years. Laine expressed pride in the company’s global team and their commitment to delivering and supporting this advanced fleet, which is expected to play a critical role in bolstering UK national security for many years to come.
The AH-64E Apache boasts an impressive 59-foot (18-meter) airframe, outfitted with a chain gun, laser-guided missiles, and unguided rockets. Its twin General Electric turboshaft engines provide approximately 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a robust performance. The aircraft can cover over 1,000 nautical miles (1,151 miles or 1,852 kilometers), reach a service ceiling of 21,000 feet (6,401 meters), and attain a maximum speed of 186 miles per hour (299 kilometers per hour).
