First AH-64E Apaches Arrive in Australia
The Australian Army’s first two AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters were delivered to the 16th Aviation Brigade.
The aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Townsville on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The delivery is part of Project Land 4503, a program under which Australia is acquiring 29 AH-64E Apaches through a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the United States. The AH-64E will replace the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, a platform that has served for nearly two decades but has faced persistent performance and sustainment challenges.
The Apache’s arrival represents a major upgrade for Australia’s land and amphibious maneuver forces. The aircraft is equipped with advanced sensors, communications, and networking systems, dramatically improving situational awareness, lethality, and the speed of coordinated operations.
Major-General David Hafner, Commander of the Australian Army’s Aviation Command, said the new helicopters would strengthen Australia’s ability to operate alongside allies and improve the Army’s joint combat effectiveness.
“It carries a range of sensors, communication, networking, which really sees an evolution in the capability that we’ve currently got within the army,” Hafner said. “It’s also an aircraft that’s operated by a number of our regional partners, so great for interoperability and predominantly with our partner in the United States Army.”
The acquisition deepens Canberra’s long-standing defense ties with Washington and brings Australia in line with other regional allies — including Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia — that operate the Apache as their primary attack helicopter. Its proven record in global conflicts, combined with its compatibility with U.S. doctrine and equipment, makes the AH-64E a critical addition to Australia’s future combat force.
The deal for 29 helicopters was finalized in 2022 and is valued at $4.5 billion. It also includes a $306 million initial support contract with Boeing Defence Australia. The support package covers maintenance, logistics, training, and sustainment services, ensuring that the Apache fleet remains operationally ready throughout its lifecycle.
To support the new aircraft, a dedicated aviation training academy will open in Townsville in January. The facility, operated by Aviation Australia and Boeing Defence Australia, will train pilots, ground crews, and maintenance personnel to operate and sustain the advanced platform. The establishment of this training center underscores the long-term nature of Australia’s investment and its commitment to building domestic expertise in advanced aviation capabilities.
The AH-64E — the latest variant of Boeing’s combat-proven Apache platform — features upgraded engines, improved digital connectivity, and the ability to control unmanned aerial systems, extending its reach and effectiveness on the modern battlefield. The helicopter’s combination of firepower, intelligence, and network integration will give the Australian Army new options for precision strike, reconnaissance, and support missions across the Indo-Pacific.
More Apaches are expected to arrive before the end of the year, with deliveries continuing into 2026. Once fully operational, the fleet will form the backbone of Australia’s attack aviation capability for decades, supporting ground forces in high-intensity combat and regional security operations.