Boeing has delivered the first two of 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Australia, marking a new chapter in the country’s attack helicopter capabilities, supported by local workforce and supply chain infrastructure.
The @AustralianArmy’s 16th Aviation Brigade has welcomed its first two AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters at RAAF Base Townsville, following successful test flights in Mesa, Arizona.
Under Project Land 4503, Defence is acquiring 29 Apaches, with the full fleet expected to be… pic.twitter.com/ejY6GXVw6j
— Defence Australia (@DefenceAust) October 3, 2025
The helicopters arrived at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Townsville, following successful test flights in Mesa, Arizona.
Australia is purchasing 29 Apache helicopters under Project Land 4503, with all aircraft expected to arrive by 2029.
The AH-64E will take over from the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. According to Australian Defence, the new helicopters offer significant performance improvements that will strengthen the combat effectiveness and operational rhythm of land and amphibious missions.
The AH-64E is the most modern configuration of the Apache. Australian officials claim it will provide critical attack aviation effects, consisting of reconnaissance, communications, firepower and offensive support to the integrated force.
“The AH-64E Apache is the most contemporary and capable attack helicopter in the world,” said Jeremy King, Head of Joint Aviation Systems Division Major General.
Christina Upah, Vice President of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, said: “The delivery of the first two Australian Apaches underscores the strength of Boeing’s enduring partnership with Australia.”
“Working side-by-side with the Australian Army, Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group and local industry, we are delivering the world’s most advanced attack helicopter capability purpose-built to ensure battlefield dominance, bolster interoperability with allied nations, and evolve with the latest technologies for decades to come,” Upah added.
Delivery of the next two Apaches is planned by the end of 2025.
“The aircraft arrival is a major boost to Australia’s military capability and delivers new, skilled jobs at the cutting edge of aerospace,” said Amy List, Managing Director, Boeing Defence Australia.
“Under our seven-year Apache Initial Support Contract opens in a new tab, we’re creating 230 jobs in Queensland, with the first 36 aircraft maintenance engineer trainees and apprentices starting training in January 2026, joining our existing 80-strong CH 47F team,” List added.
Australia’s Apache fleet will be built incorporating components produced by several Australian firms, including Cablex wire harnesses and electrical panels, Axiom Precision Manufacturing avionics bay shelving and machined assemblies, Ferra vertical spar boxes, and Mincham composites and fairings.
Boeing claims that 230 local jobs in Australia will be created to maintain the helicopters.
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