Boeing has secured a $1.9 billion award to produce 184 AH-64E Apaches for Army and international customers, including Australia.
“We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army,” Boeing Senior Mesa Site Executive And Attack Helicopter Programs Vice President Christina Upah said. “This contract highlights the need for Apaches worldwide.”
The agreement can potentially increase to over $3.8 billion with future obligations. The Army will receive 115 remanufactured Apaches, with an additional 15 Apaches to be procured as options.
“This multi-year contract is critical for the warfighter and the entire Apache team,” U.S. Army Apache Project Manager Col. John (Jay) Maher said. “It demonstrates the Army’s commitment to continue putting unmatched capability into the hands of our nation’s finest while providing stability and predictability for the outstanding citizens and companies that pour their talent into producing the best attack helicopter in the world.”
The additional 54 aircraft will be delivered to partner nations in accordance with Foreign Military Sales. Through the initial multi-year contract signed in 2017, Boeing delivered 244 remanufactured Apaches to the Army and 24 new-build aircraft to an international customer.
Boeing maintains the AH-64E is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter, noting there are over 1,275 Apaches currently in operation globally.