Australia’s first two Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters have arrived at RAAF Base Townsville, ushering in a new era of attack helicopter capability for Australia, backed by an Australian workforce and supply chain.
(PHOTO: Defence)
“The delivery of the first two Australian Apaches underscores the strength of Boeing’s enduring partnership with Australia,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs. “Working side-by-side with the Australian Army, Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group and local industry, we are delivering the world’s most advanced attack helicopter capability purpose-built to ensure battlefield dominance, bolster interoperability with allied nations, and evolve with the latest technologies for decades to come.”
The next two Apaches of the 29 ordered are on track for delivery before the end of the year.
“The aircraft arrival is a major boost to Australia’s military capability and delivers new, skilled jobs at the cutting edge of aerospace,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia. 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.”
(PHOTO: Defence)
The Australian Apache fleet will be constructed with a number of parts manufactured by Australian companies, including Cablex wire harnesses and electrical panels, Axiom Precision Manufacturing avionics bay shelving and other machined assemblies, Ferra vertical spar boxes, and Mincham composites and fairings.
“As the Apache program progresses, we will continue to integrate locally-made components into the Australian and global fleets, reinforcing our supply chain and enhancing sovereign skills,” said List.
Australia is the 18th nation to add the Apache to its defence forces. Currently, there are nearly 1,300 Apaches in operation worldwide.
The Australian government is also investing $700 million to provide essential infrastructure upgrades and facilities works at RAAF Base Townsville to support the introduction of the Apache fleet, and the relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment and 16th Aviation Brigade Headquarters. The construction phase of this project is expected to create 275 jobs in the Townsville region.
To support the AH-64E’s introduction into service, Australian Army personnel have been undertaking training in the United States and the United Kingdom, with a number of air and ground crew already qualified on the Apache.
All 29 Apache aircraft expected to be delivered by 2029.
(PHOTO: Defence)
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The AH-64E Apache provides a critical step change in attack aviation capability for the Australian Army and builds on the Albanese Government’s investments to improve the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases. The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter operating today and the Albanese Government is pleased to welcome the first two helicopters to Townsville. Our investment in North Queensland to support the Apache fleet will not only provide significant training and employment opportunities through a ‘train local to stay local’ approach, but will make Townsville Australia’s largest defence helicopter industry hub – supporting local jobs.”
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “These new attack helicopters are critical to modernising the ADF and transforming the Army into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike. The delivery of this key capability also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting Australian industry as we work to give the ADF the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe. This is also great news for the Townsville region with the contract with Boeing Defence Australia, along with essential upgrades to RAAF Base Townsville, to create hundreds of jobs for North Queenslanders and inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.”
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