Australia’s army has taken delivery of its first two Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with two more examples due before the end of 2025.
The helicopters were delivered to RAAF Townsville in Australia’s Queensland state, according to Australia’s Department of Defence (DoD).
DoD images indicate that the two helicopters were flown to Australia aboard a US Air Force Boeing C-17 strategic transport with their rotors removed.
The two rotorcraft are part of an order for 29 Apaches that followed Canberra’s 2021 selection of the type under its Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter programme.
Canberra is undertaking extensive upgrade work at Townsville to accommodate the new helicopters. Australian crews have also trained with their US Army counterparts, and several air and ground crew are already qualified on the type.
At the Avalon air show in March, an Australian army official said that four additional Apaches will arrive in 2026.
In addition to operating from land, the army envisages the Townsville-based Apaches operating from Australia’s two amphibious assault ships, HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide. US Army Apaches have already performed initial trial work for shipboard operations.
“The aircraft arrival is a major boost to Australia’s military capability and delivers new, skilled jobs at the cutting edge of aerospace,” says Boeing’s Defence Australia managing director Amy List.
“Under our seven-year Apache Initial Support Contract, 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.”
She observes that Australian companies are part of the Apache’s supply chain, producing wire harnesses, electrical panels, bay shelving, and other components.
The Apache is the replacement for the army’s 22 Airbus Helicopters Tigers, which suffered significant sustainment challenges over their career.
