Polish Military to Receive 96 Boeing Apaches in Historic $10 Billion Purchase

Poland's Ministry of National Defence has finalized a major agreement with the United States to acquire 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, along with associated gear and weaponry, for its armed forces. The signing ceremony, which took place on August 13, was attended by Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.

Valued at approximately $10 billion, this acquisition represents the largest procurement of Western-made helicopters in Poland's history. The deal also includes offset agreements, ensuring that Poland’s defense industry will participate in the maintenance and upgrade of these helicopters.

The new Apaches will replace the aging fleet of Soviet-designed Mil Mi-2 and Mi-24 helicopters currently in service. Once all 96 helicopters are delivered, Poland will become the second-largest operator of Apache helicopters globally, after the U.S. military.

The helicopters will be stationed at the 1st Aviation Brigade in Inowrocław, in western Poland, where they will provide aerial support to Polish ground forces. This purchase is part of Poland's broader effort to modernize its military in response to security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The U.S. State Department approved the foreign military sale to Poland on August 21, 2023. In addition to the helicopters, the contract includes a wide array of weaponry, such as 1,844 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles, 460 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles, and 508 Stinger 92K Block I missiles.

AH-64E Apache Production Begins for Morocco

Boeing has initiated the production of the inaugural Apache AH-64E helicopter, marking the commencement of a 24-unit order designated for the Royal Moroccan Air Forces (FAR).

This significant development stems from a 2020 equipment agreement between the United States and Morocco, elevating the North African nation to the esteemed status of the 17th country deploying this cutting-edge combat helicopter.

Plans are currently underway at the Khouribga military base to facilitate the integration of Apache squadrons, scheduled to commence operations from late 2024 into early 2025. The anticipation is extended due to the sophisticated nature of these helicopters, accentuated by their advanced systems. Boeing highlights their prowess in "communications, navigation, sensors, and weapons systems," alongside an enhanced and modernized target designation structure providing comprehensive day, night, and all-weather targeting information, as well as night-vision navigation capabilities.

Described for its combat prowess and equipped with state-of-the-art military technologies, the Apache is known for its exemplary performance in the field.

Boeing emphasizes that the helicopter boasts an open systems architecture that encompasses the latest in communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems, signifying a substantial leap forward for both the Moroccan military and the burgeoning partnership between the Alawites and their increasingly integrated US counterparts.

This development signifies a pivotal advancement for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (FAR), particularly in a time of heightened regional instability. The ongoing tension with Algeria and the persistent attacks by the Polisario Front serve as a reminder to the Kingdom, which navigates through a tumultuous period while endeavoring to preserve its regional leadership—a position that the Algerians seek to challenge, without success at the moment.

UK will send Apache helicopters armed with Hellfire missiles to Ukraine, UK media

Britain will send attack helicopters armed with deadly Hellfire missiles to Ukraine in a move hailed as a “game-changer”.

The Apache choppers will bolster the country’s desperate fight against Russian invaders, now entering its 11th month.

The new package of support, to include tanks, was confirmed yesterday by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

A senior defence source told the Sunday People that up to four Apaches will be sent – and they will follow 10 Challenger 2 main battle tanks.

UK will send the AH64 E – the most modern version of the Apache.

mirror 

US approves upgrade of Egypt's Apaches to AH-64E

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of a refurbishment package for 43 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters owned by Egypt.
The estimated $2.3 billion deal is not final, but was announced via a required notification by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency to the US Congress on 7 May.
Egypt intends to use these refurbished AH-64 helicopters to modernise its armed forces to address the shared US-Egyptian interest in countering terrorist activities emanating from the Sinai Peninsula, which threaten Egyptian and Israeli security and undermine regional stability,” says the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Over the last couple of decades, the USA has helped Egypt put down a Bedouin insurgency, which has used attacks on civilians and kidnappings of tourists to further its cause.
The deal would also come with weapons: Hellfire missile launchers, 2.75in tube rocket launchers, and M230 chain guns.
flightglobal

U.S. Approves Sale of AH-64E Apache, AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters to Philippines

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale six AH-64E Apache and six AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters to the Government of the Philippines.
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy six (6) AH-1Z attack helicopters; fourteen (14) T-700 GE 401C engines (12 installed, 2 spares); seven (7) Honeywell Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation (EGIs) w/Precise Positioning Service (PPS) (6 installed, 1 spare); six (6) AGM-114 Hellfire II missiles; and twenty six (26) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) all up rounds.
defpost

India approves Apache acquisition for Army

New Delhi's Defence Acquisition Council has approved the acquisition of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the army at a cost of $651 million.
The deal still needs final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), and a formal contract could take up to a year.
In September 2015, Boeing received orders for 22 AH-64E Apache’s and 15 CH-47F Chinooks. The contract also contained options for 11 Apaches and 7 Chinooks.
Boeing will commence air force Apache deliveries in 2019. Once the air force receives all 22 of its Apaches, then the army's six will be delivered.
Boeing will supply the Apache platform as a direct commercial sale (DCS). The engines, sensors and armament will be supplied by the US Govt as a foreign military sale (FMS).
flightglobal

UK To Remanufacture their 'Apaches' to AH-64E Version

The United Kingdom has requested the remanufacture of fifty WAH-64 Mk 1 Attack Helicopters to AH-64E Apache Guardian Helicopters with one hundred and ten (110) T-700-GE-701D Engines (100 installed and 10 spares), the refurbishment of fifty-three (53) AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sights (M-TADS) (50 installed and 3 spares), the refurbishment of fifty-three (53) AN/AAR-11 Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors (PNVS) (50 installed and 3 spares), the refurbishment of fifty-two (52) AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) (50 installed and 2 spares) with fifty-five (55) Radar Electronics Units (Longbow Component) (50 installed and 5 spares), fifty-two (52) AN/APR-48B Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometers (50 installed and 2 spares), sixty (60) AAR-57(V) 3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) with 5th Sensor and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser (50 installed and 10 spares), one hundred and twenty (120) Embedded Global Positioning Systems (GPS) with Inertial Navigation (100 installed and 20 spares), and three hundred (300) Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets.
dsca

Taiwan Launches Ambitious Plans For New Weapons In All Fronts, Cleared to Buy C-27J

China's steady acquisition of advanced weaponry has driven ambitious Taiwanese requirements, including plans to procure stealth fighters, advanced jet trainers, long-range unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and main battle tanks.
Some requirements are awaiting sale notification to the US Congress or are still working through the Ministry of National Defense's internal programming process. Those include:
• MH-60R naval helicopters.
• Aircraft-deployed mines, such as the Quickstrike series.
• Shipboard electronic warfare system upgrades, such as the SLQ-32.
• Phalanx close-in weapon systems.
• Tactical datalink systems as part of a follow-on to the Po Sheng C4ISR upgrade program, now more commonly referred to as "Shyun An" or "Xun An."

Among the Chinese programs spurring Taiwan's response are Su-35 fighter aircraft and long-range S-400 surface-to-air missile systems. Chinese efforts in the South China Sea have also driven requirements for more ships and submarines, though these will be largely indigenous build programs.
Defense sources indicate Taiwan is interested in acquiring an additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, presumably as replacement for the unit lost in a training accident in 2014.
Taiwan needs to start replacing its fighter trainers in the next few years, but the Air Force has not announced a selection process for new trainers to replace aging F-5 fighters and AT-3 attack trainers, though plans for a tentative budget have been announced by Air Force officials for 2017.
The Air Force uses its F-5E/F fighters and AT-3 jet trainers for training before moving forward to one of three fighters: F-16A/Bs, Mirage 2000-5s or indigenous defense fighters.
The Air Force has said it wants to procure 68 advanced jet trainers for advanced training, lead-in and operations transitioning training, Shih said.
At present, there are three candidates: the US Air Force's T-X program, which is still under development; the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master; and the T-50 Golden Eagle built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Lockheed Martin.
Taiwan's Air Force also has a requirement to replace aging single-engine propeller-driven Beechcraft T-34C Turbo Mentor trainers procured from the US in the 1980s. The T-34 squadron has suffered numerous fatal accidents over the past several years. The Beechcraft AT-6 is the most likely candidate.
Taiwan also has been pursuing a procurement for six C­27J Spartan medium-transport aircraft, along with an indigenous training and maintenance package, to replace the Air Force's Fokker 50 VIP aircraft. The US government has released the C-27J for Taiwan, but the Air Force is awaiting financing, which has been hampered by the cost of recent upgrades to its indigenous defense fighters and upcoming upgrades to its F-16A/B fighter fleet.
defensenews

India Likely To Sign AH-64 and CH-47F Deal During US Defense Secretary Visit

India is likely to sign a nearly $2.5 billion deal for 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters during an upcoming visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
India downselected the Apache over the Russian Mi-28N in 2012 to replace its aging Russian Mi-25/35 aircraft. The Russians also lost out to Boeing in the race to sell heavy-lift helicopters after the Indian air force said it preferred the Chinook over the Mi-26T2.
India operates a Russian-built fleet of aging Mi-35 attack helicopters that urgently need to be replaced.
aviationweek

US To Start AH-6i deliveries to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is shortly to begin receiving the first of 24 Boeing AH-6i Little Bird light attack and reconnaissance helicopters.
The US Army's Non-Standard Rotary-Wing Aircraft project office has issued a sources sought notice for the transportation of an unspecified number of helicopters from the United States to the kingdom, as well as for pilot and maintainer training.
A contract for manufacture of 24 AH-6i helicopters was awarded to Boeing in September 2014.
The AH-6i is based on the 1960s-era Hughes Model 369 (OH-6 Cayuse in US Army service) light scout helicopter, and features an enhanced powerplant, payload, and avionics package.
Its weapons fit includes the Dillon M134D 7.62 mm Gatling gun, General Dynamics GAU-19 12.7 mm Gatling gun, FN Herstal M3P 12.7 mm chain gun, Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, as well as a variety of seven-shot 'dumb' or laser-guided 70 mm rocket systems mounted on the four-station weapons planks. The AH-6i is also equipped with a chin-mounted L-3 Wescam MX-15Di electro-optic/infrared sensor turret.
The AH-6i's improved avionics are based on the same software as the Boeing AH-64E Apache .
The Saudi deal marks the first sale of the AH-6i for Boeing, although Jordan has signed a letter of intent for 18 such helicopters with an option for a further six.
janes

UK mothballs 16 AH-64 Apache fleet with end of Afghan ops

The UK has mothballed a quarter of its AgustaWestland-Boeing WAH-64 Apache Longbow AH.1 helicopters following the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.
In January, 16 of the British Army's 66 Apaches were placed into storage, leaving a force of 50 helicopters now operating out of Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk.
Currently, the Apache is fielded by 653 (operational conversion unit), 662, and 663 Squadrons of 3 (Attack) Regiment, and 656 and 664 Squadrons of 4 (Attack) Regiment.
The MoD is also assessing its options for maintaining the UK's attack helicopter capability out to 2040 and beyond.
In early March the MoD released a request for information (RfI) for remanufacturing the army's current AH-64D Block 1-standard helicopters into the latest variant AH-64E.
A decision on the way forward is expected in March 2016.
janes

AgustaWestland lobbying against United Kingdom's possible AH-64E Buy

The UK's efforts to sustain its Apache attack helicopter capability are being seriously hampered by lobbying from AgustaWestland.
With the British Army's 66 AgustaWestland-Boeing WAH-64D helicopters soon needing replacement due to obsolescence, the Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) preferred option of buying the new AH-64E directly from the United States is being delayed by AgustaWestland lobbying for work on any such procurement programme.
Boeing has offered to sell the AH-64E to the UK at GBP20 million (USD30 million) per aircraft (taking advantage of a US Army multi-year procurement package). If the helicopters were to be licence-built or modified by AgustaWestland, as was the case when the WAH-64D Block I helicopters were first acquired in the 1990s, this sum would more than double to GBP44 million.
Deciding how to proceed is becoming ever more urgent for the MoD, as the processing chips that drive the early-model Apache systems are no longer made, and the stockpile that Boeing has built up is expected to be depleted by around 2017.
Defence chiefs fear that delays of this nature may result in a capability gap between the older WAH-64Ds having to be retired around this date, and a replacement being introduced. The process has now been put back until after the General Election on 7 May, and a decision will not be taken until March 2016. This could mean a replacement platform not entering service until about 2020.
The AH-64E is understood to be the favoured option.
janes

India May Sign AH-64 CH-47 Deal by Boeing Deadline

Pressured by a possible price hike from Boeing in its planned purchase of 22 AH-64E Apache and 15 CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Air Force, the Indian Ministry of Defence is considering inking the final contract before March 31 when the price set by Boeing will expire.
A Boeing executive said the company cannot guarantee it will be able to keep the price quote beyond March 31 because it cannot afford to "wait endlessly".
India delayed signing the contract because of a lack of funds. Even in the current financial year, which ends March 31, there are no funds for new purchases because money has been diverted from the Capital Head, which is reserved for buying new weapons, to the Revenue Head account, which is used to pay for salaries and day-to-day expenses of the 1.5-million-person military.
Under these circumstances, MoD is now considering signing the $2.5 billion contract before March 31 but begin making payments in the next financial year.
The Boeing executive said they will respond to this method of payment after such a proposal is received.
However, before the deal is inked it will need clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security which is headed by the prime minister.
The Indian Air Force selected Boeing's AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopters over the Russian Mi-28H Night Hunter and Mi-26 heavy lift helicopter in 2012.
defensenews

Indonesia To Buy 8 AH-64E

Boeing has been awarded a contract for eight AH64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters for Indonesia, US Department of Defence (DoD) disclosed on 27 January.
The contract will be complete by 28 February 2018.
The announcement that a contract has been awarded brings to an end a process that first began in late 2011. At that time, Indonesia said it was looking to acquire surplus AH-64D Apache Longbows from European stocks to augment its existing fleet of Mi-35 attack helicopters procured from Russia in 2008.
janes

Taiwan takes final delivery of AH-64E Apache helicopters

Taiwan has taken the delivery of six more AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the United States, the fifth and final batch of for 30 of the newest Apache model.
They flew to an Army Aviation Special Forces base in Tainan Sunday evening after being unloaded and assembled in the southern port city a day earlier, the Army said.
The model E is the latest in the Apache attack helicopter series. The U.S. and Taiwan are the only two countries using it so far.
focustaiwan

US Army Configures Apaches for Sea Duty

The U.S. Army is engineering its Apache AH-64 attack helicopters with additional avionics, radar and sensor technology to perform better in maritime environments.
The Army plans to test these and other upgrades in 2017 in order to keep the attack helicopter platform current into the 2050s.
The upgrades will also give the Apache the ability to better communicate with assets from other services through a connection with LINK 16, a digital data link used widely by the Air Force and Navy.
The first AH-64E Block III Apaches are now returning from combat service in Afghanistan, after deploying this past September.
dodbuzz

Saudi Arabia begins receiving new AH-64E Apache

Saudi Arabia has begun receiving the first of its new AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters from Boeing.
At least three AH-64E helicopter have arrived in the kingdom having been transported from Boeing's production facility in Arizona. Saudi media has reported that the helicopters' arrival coincided with the graduation of the first pilots and maintainers.
The Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) has ordered 36 AH-64Es, the Saudi Arabia National Guard (SANG) has ordered 12, and the Saudi Royal Guard is looking to buy 10. Combined with the 12 AH-64A/D helicopters already fielded by the RSLF, these orders will make Saudi Arabia the largest Apache operator outside the United States.
janes

TALON Laser-Guided Rockets succesfully fired from MD 530G helicopter

Raytheon successfully fired four TALON laser guided rockets from the MD 530G armed aerial scout (AAS) helicopter.
TALON LGR is a low-cost, digital semi-active laser guidance and control kit co-developed with the United Arab Emirates. TALON's guidance section integrates directly to the front of the legacy 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rockets while its unique tail kit replaces the legacy Hydra-70 wraparound tail kit.
This latest successful firing and subsequent original equipment manufacturer certification of TALON follows the recent certification in April for air worthiness release of the weapon on the Apache AH-64D/E attack helicopter.
Raytheon's TALON requires no hardware or software modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform for any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch Hydra-70 unguided rockets using the standard M260/261 launchers..
raytheon

Poland starts 'Kruk' attack helicopter acquisition programme

Poland officially launched its 'Kruk' (Raven) attack helicopter acquisition programme on 8 July, which will eventually replace the country's ageing Mil Mi-24 'Hind' combat helicopters.
The purchase of 32 new attack helicopters comes under a PLN11.6 billion (USD3.8 billion) priority project that also includes the acquisition of 70 multi-role helicopters.
The main competitors in the tender are expected to be the AgustaWestland/Turkish Aerospace Industries T129; the Boeing AH-64E Apache 'Guardian'; and the Airbus Helicopters EC 665 Tiger.
The country announced in late May that it is planning to accelerate the acquisition of attack helicopters due to the crisis in Ukraine.
The new helicopters will replace Poland's 29 Soviet-made Mil Mi-24D 'Hind-D' and Mi-24W 'Hind-E' combat helicopters. Poland began operating four Mil Mi-24D 'Hind-D' helicopters in January 1979 and purchased 16 Mil Mi-24D helicopters in 1985.
A second batch of 16 Mil Mi-24W 'Hind-E' was acquired in 1986, followed a decade later by the purchase in 1996 of 18 ex-East German Mi-24D helicopters: 16 for operational service, and two to cannibalise for spares.
Under the original draft plans, of the first 20 Kruk helicopters delivered, 12 were scheduled for delivery to the Land Force's 1st Aviation Brigade (1 BLWL) and eight to the Air Force's 7th Special Operation Squadron (7 EDS).
janes

Boeing proposes high-speed Apache, heavier Chinook

As the US Department of Defense pursues a family of high-speed rotorcraft, Boeing officials say two stalwarts of the current fleet – the AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook – must be kept viable for decades to come.
The AH-64E entered service last year, but an F-model is already on the drawing boards. Some upgrades – the 3,000shp turboshaft in development under the army’s improved turbine engine programme (ITEP).
Boeing officials also believe high-speed capabilities can be added to the 40-year-old Apache design. Possibilities include adding a retractable landing gear, wingstubs to offload lift from a single main rotor in high-speed cruise and a tail rotor that articulates 90° to provide forward thrust.
Boeing is scheduled to deliver the last CH-47F in Fiscal 2019, ending a production run that began in 1961. Boeing now is proposing to remanufacture F-models with a higher gross weight.
In the past, Boeing has proposed a 31,800kg (70,000lb) class variant with a 30cm (1in) wider fuselage to accommodate up-armoured HMMWV (Humvee) trucks. Budget realities have forced the company to propose a more modest solution now. The “H-model” CH-47, as proposed, strengthens the airframe and the propulsion system to lift 24,500kg, or about 1,810kg more than the existing helicopter.
The proposals seem to clash with the company’s interests in the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) programme. Boeing has teamed with Sikorsky to develop the high-speed SB-1 Defiant for the joint multi-role technology demonstrator (JMR-TD), which is a intended to be a scaled down version of the FVL-Medium concept to replace the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk after 2030.
flightglobal