On Friday, August 23, 2023, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the U.S. Department of State’s approval for the potential sale of a support package worth up to 300 million USD for the future fleet of 29 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Commonwealth of Australia.
Image: Boeing
According to the published information, the government in Canberra requested the acquisition of a technical support services package, including engineering, technical, and logistical services provided by the U.S. government and contractors (Boeing and Lockheed Martin), technical data and publications, personnel training, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
On January 15, 2021, the Australian Department of Defense announced the selection of the AH-64E Apache Guardian as part of the LAND 4503 Phase 1 ARH Replacement Program, rejecting the counteroffer from Bell Textron with the AH-1Z Viper. The new helicopters will replace 22 issue-ridden EC665 Tiger ARH (Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter) attack-reconnaissance helicopters. In the 2016 Defence White Paper, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) highlighted in its report as many as 76 technical and operational issues concerning the relatively new European helicopters (in service since 2004).
Linda Reynolds, Minister of Defense at the time, stated that deliveries were expected to begin as early as 2025, with the program’s budget estimated at 4.5 billion AUD. Five helicopters will be used for training, while the remaining ones will be assigned to the 161st and 162nd Squadrons of the 1st Aviation Regiment at Robertson Barracks near Darwin in the Northern Territory. The first squadron is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2026, with full operational capability by 2028.
On June 3, 2021, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 29 helicopters along with an equipment and armament package for approximately 3.5 billion USD.
On December 20, 2021, the U.S. Department of State approved the sale of 800 AGM-114R2 Hellfire II (Hellfire Romeo) anti-tank guided missiles for a total value of up to 108 million USD. These missiles can be used by both the Tiger ARH and the AH-64E.
On March 1, 2023, Boeing announced a list of Australian companies that will be included in the supply chain: Cablex, Ferra, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, and Mincham. They will supply wire harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar boxes, machined parts, fairings, and composite materials.
On March 17, 2023, the U.S. Army Contracting Command (ACC) signed a production contract with Boeing worth 1,946,212,323 USD for Apache Guardians for Australia and Egypt (43 units). The work is expected to be completed by December 31, 2027. Helicopters are currently also being produced for Morocco (24 units). Production contracts for Poland (96 units) and the Republic of Korea (36 units) are now awaited.
On February 7, 2024, Boeing Defence Australia signed a 7-year framework agreement with the Australian Department of Defense to support helicopter operations. A support center will be established in Queensland, employing 230 staff members. On April 12, 2024, an implementation contract worth 306 million AUD (approximately 200 million USD) was signed in this regard.