Boeing Delivers Final AH-64E Apache to British Army, Marking a New Era in Combat Aviation

Boeing has completed the delivery of the final AH-64E Apache attack helicopter to the British Army, fulfilling a contract signed in 2016. The milestone aircraft, the 50th of the program, was handed over at Boeing’s Arizona facility and will be transferred to Suffolk in 2026 after further evaluations. Once operational, it will join the British Army’s active Apache fleet at Wattisham Flying Station and the training fleet at the British Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

The AH-64E represents a major upgrade over the D-model Apache, which has been in British service for more than 20 years. The new variant integrates next-generation avionics, a modern fuselage, and enhanced operational capabilities, enabling all-weather, round-the-clock combat readiness. The aircraft was successfully tested in frontline missions in 2023, and its operational capability was officially declared the same year.

Colonel David Amlôt, from the British Army’s Combat Aviation Program, emphasized the broader impact of the Apache fleet, stating, “Through this procurement, we will see increased interoperability with our NATO and allied partners. By the end of the decade, an expected 19 nations will be operating the Apache, further strengthening our collective deterrence.”

Maria Laine, President of Boeing UK, hailed the final delivery as a landmark achievement in Boeing’s long-standing partnership with the UK. “Delivering the 50th E-model Apache to the British Army marks a significant milestone in our enduring alliance, a relationship that spans more than 80 years. I am immensely proud of our global team for their dedication in delivering and supporting this advanced Apache fleet, a vital capability that will bolster UK national security for decades to come.”

AH-64E Apache: A Lethal and Versatile Combat Platform

The AH-64E Apache is designed to dominate modern battlefields with its advanced weaponry and cutting-edge technology. It is powered by twin General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, each delivering approximately 1,900 horsepower. This allows the helicopter to achieve a top speed of 186 mph (299 km/h) and operate at altitudes of up to 21,000 feet (6,401 meters).

With a range of over 1,000 nautical miles (1,151 miles/1,852 km), the Apache can execute extended missions without frequent refueling. The aircraft is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire laser-guided missiles, and Hydra 70 unguided rockets, making it a formidable asset in combat scenarios.

With the delivery now complete, the British Army’s Apache fleet stands fully modernized, reinforcing the UK’s aerial combat capabilities and strengthening its strategic partnerships with NATO allies.