The British Army is nearing completion of its new Apache AH-64E fleet after the 45th, 46th and 47th attack helicopters were transported from the United States (US) to the UK.
The UK’s Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S) unit, which is part of the Ministry of Defense, confirmed on February 20, 2025, that the latest aircraft had arrived.
Commenting on the latest deliveries Boeing said: “New Apache attack helicopters have been delivered to the British Army to increase capability and strengthen UK national security.”
In 2020, DE&S finalized a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the US Government to buy 50 Apache AH-64Es, worth approximately $2.3 billion.
The multi-billion-dollar deal was signed in partnership with Boeing which has supplied the new AH-64Es since November 2020. The first two aircraft arrived at Wattisham Flying Station and deliveries have continued since then.
Completion of the new attack helicopters, which replace the Apache Mk. 1, was initially scheduled for 2024 with full operating capability on track for early 2026.
The Boeing-built AH-64E features new drivetrain and rotor blades to boost flying performance, improved sights and sensors, communications systems to share data with other helicopters, uncrewed aircraft systems and ground forces and embedded maintenance diagnostic systems to increase aircraft availability.
The UK Government also signed a contract with Boeing Defense to provide the Long-Term Training and Support Service (LTTSS) for the new fleet.
The 20-year agreement with Boeing will cover aircraft design organization services, maintenance, logistics support, pilot, maintainer and groundcrew training.
“Primarily designed to find and destroy air defence units, tanks and armoured vehicles, it [Apache AH-64E] is armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, wing-mounted 70mm Hydra rockets and Hellfire missiles,” the British Army said.
