Boeing has announced a $1.9 billion contract to build 184 AH-64E Apaches for the United States Army and international clients, including Australia. The deal could potentially increase to more than $3.8 billion with future obligations. Among the orders, 115 Apaches will go to the U.S. Army, with 15 to be procured as options. The 54 additional aircraft will be delivered to partner nations as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.
This latest Boeing contract comes at a significant time with the U.S. Army Apache fleet recently surpassing five million flight hours, proving it is the most reliable, versatile and capable attack helicopter.
Boeing’s Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programs, Christina Upah, said in a statement, “We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army. This contract highlights the need for Apaches worldwide.”
The initial multi-year AH-64E Apache contract was signed in 2017, with Boeing delivering 244 remanufactured Apaches to the Army, and 24 new builds to international customers.
According to Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S Army Apache Project Manager: “This multi-year contract is critical for the warfighter and the entire Apache team. 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.” There are presently more than 1,275 Apaches operational worldwide.
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