Boeing will build 184 AH-64E Apaches for the U.S. Army and international customers, including the first Apache for Australia.
This $1.9 billion modification to the previous Apache Guardian contract initiates series production of this model and brings the current total funded value of the multi-year contract to $2.1 billion and has the potential to increase to more than $3.8 billion with future obligations.
“We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet, while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive. “This contract highlights the need for Apaches worldwide.”
See also: Poland to acquire 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters
The U.S. Army will receive 115 remanufactured Apaches, with an additional 15 Apaches to be procured as options, ensuring significant savings to taxpayers. The additional 54 helicopters will be delivered to partner nations as part of Foreign Military Sales (Australia and Egypt).
As reported in the company’s press release, this award comes after the U.S. Army’s Apache helicopter fleet surpassed five million flight hours, a milestone that proves the AH-64 is the most capable, reliable and versatile attack helicopter.
Boeing Global Services will continue to deliver optimal readiness for the warfighter including training devices, spare provisions, support and test equipment kits, depot support, field engineering and technical manuals. Major advantages in the technical publication area allow for a streamlined process approach to re-use data which reduces operational and sustainment costs.
See also: Modernized Apache: Boeing unveiled the next evolution of the AH-64
Under the first multi-year contract, signed in 2017, Boeing delivered 244 remanufactured Apaches to the Army and 24 new-build aircraft to an international customer. The AH-64E, built at the Boeing site in Mesa, Ariz., is the most advanced multirole combat helicopter in the world. There are more than 1,275 Apaches currently in operation around the world.
