The British Army has taken delivery of its 50th and final Apache AH-64E, marking the completion of its new fleet of advanced attack helicopters. The last aircraft was officially handed over at Boeing’s site in Arizona, bringing the UK’s Apache programme to full operational strength.
Enhancing Defence and NATO Interoperability
Colonel David Amlôt MBE, Assistant Head of the British Army’s Combat Aviation Programme, emphasised the significance of the Apache in strengthening national and allied defence.
“The AH-64E is a critical part of UK deterrence and forms an integral part of the British Army’s offer to the NATO New Force Model and Forward Land Forces. Through this procurement, we will see increased interoperability with our NATO and allied partners, with an expected 19 nations operating the Apache by the end of the decade, further strengthening our collective deterrence.”
The introduction of the AH-64E aligns the British Army’s aviation capabilities with NATO allies, ensuring a cohesive and modernised force across partner nations.
Aircraft Arrivals and Operational Readiness
Ahead of the final handover, three AH-64Es were recently transported to the UK by the United States Air Force. British personnel at Wattisham Flying Station received the aircraft after they were flown into RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk on a USAF C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft.
The upgraded Apache is expected to remain in production until at least 2028 and will likely serve the US Army and allied nations into the 2060s, according to Boeing. With a top speed of 186mph and an array of technological enhancements, the AH-64E is designed to remain a key asset in modern combat operations for decades.
Advancements and Capabilities
The AH-64E incorporates components from the previous Apache Mk1 with a redesigned fuselage and updated avionics. The Mk1 variant played a significant role in operations over Libya, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and its successor is set to build on that legacy.
Major Paul Whatnell, who tested the new aircraft, described it as an improvement on previous models.
“It’s a pretty incredible machine,” he said. “There are fewer limiting factors, allowing us to operate more effectively.”
Designed for precision strike missions, the Apache AH-64E is equipped with advanced sensors and targeting systems. Its primary role is to locate and engage enemy air defence units, tanks, and armoured vehicles. The aircraft can carry:
- Up to 16 Hellfire missiles
- 76 Hydra rockets
- 1,200 rounds of 30mm cannon ammunition
In 2023, three Apache helicopters from 3 Army Air Corps were deployed to test the new model in a series of exercises over challenging terrain. These trials assessed the aircraft’s performance and its crews’ ability to operate effectively in demanding environments.
British Manufacturing Contribution
While the Apache AH-64E is manufactured by Boeing, several of its components are produced in the UK, highlighting the role of British engineering in global defence technology.
With the final aircraft now delivered, the British Army’s Apache fleet is fully operational, providing enhanced firepower and capabilities to support national and allied defence strategies.
