Apache AH-64E upgrade
UK (operation); Mesa, Arizona, USA (remanufacturing) · 2023 (IOC declared) - 2025 (FOC expected, final delivery of remanufactured aircraft by March 2025) · £1.793 billion (initial procurement forecast cost)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe upgrade replaces the older Apache Mk1 fleet, providing a significant leap in capability. - The open systems architecture allows for easier integration of future advancements. - Procurement was conducted via US Government Foreign Military Sales.
Key engineering challenges
Integrating advanced technology, including an open systems architecture, into existing airframes. - Enhancing communication, navigation, and sensor systems for improved battlefield effectiveness. - Ensuring interoperability with other UK and allied forces.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- British Army / UK Ministry of Defence
- Lead contractor
- Boeing
- Lead designers
- Boeing
- Project type
- upgrade (remanufacture)
- Scale
- 50 AH-64E Apache helicopters
- Disciplines
- Aeronautical engineering; systems integration; avionics; weapons systems; digital systems
- Standards & frameworks
- US and UK military aviation standards.
Sources: Defence Equipment & Support: Apache AH-64E (https://des.mod.uk/what-we-do/army-procurement-support/apache-ah64e/) - Army.mil: UK Modernizes Attack Helicopter Fleet with 50th AH-64E Apache Delivery (https://www.army.mil/article/284421/uk_modernizes_attack_helicopter_fleet_with_50th_ah_64e_apache_delivery) - Vertical Magazine: U.K. modernizes attack helicopter fleet with 50th AH-64E Apache delivery (https://verticalmag.com/press-releases/u-k-modernizes-attack-helicopter-fleet-with-50th-ah-64e-apache-delivery/) - Parliament.uk: Apache Helicopters - Written questions, answers and statements (https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-05-09/25453)