In lieu of an Australian example, the US Army exhibited an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter at Avalon International Airshow 2025, which opened on 25 March. However, at the same time as the show was being held in Avalon near Melbourne, the first Australian Army Apache was entering final assembly.
Boeing announced on 25 March that the aircraft, designated AT001, had entered final assembly on the Mesa, Arizona production line. This means it will now undergo structural, electrical wiring, major subassembly and mechanical installation.
The Apache will then commence flight testing in mid-2025. Indeed, the first four AH-64Es for Australia are scheduled to be delivered before the end of the year.
Marking the occasion, Christina Upah, Vice President of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, commented, “The induction of the Australian Army’s first E-model Apache into final assembly marks the beginning of a new era for Australia’s defence and industrial capabilities.”
Canberra has 29 AH-64E Version 6 helicopters coming after logging an order in 2021, and these will replace 22 Airbus Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.
Brigadier General Andrew Thomas, Deputy Commander of Australian Army Aviation, told Asian Military Review that another four helicopters would be delivered in 2026.
The platform’s initial operating capability is expected in 2028, and full delivery should occur by 2029, at which time final operating capability is expected for the fleet.
Australia is receiving both AN/APG-78 Longbow radars and MUMT-X antennas, the latter being used to transmit and receive data with unmanned aerial vehicles.
Five Australian companies are supplying parts to the Apache global supply chain. Cablex is manufacturing wiring harnesses and electrical panels, Axiom Precision Manufacturing does avionics bay shelving and other machined assemblies, and Ferra manufactures vertical spar boxes.
Mincham is taking care of composites and fairings, whilst the other Australian company involved is Thomas Global Systems.
Australian personnel are already embedded with US Army units to gain operational experience after conducting training in the USA.
Boeing Defence Australia has an initial seven-year support contract to assist the Australian Army in sustaining the Apache fleet, which will be based in Townsville.
Boeing has manufactured more than 2,800 AH-64s to date. The US Army currently has two Apaches in Australia, with these being used for familiarisation training.
by Gordon Arthur / Melbourne
