Australia s defence capability will be bolstered, with the glitch-prone Tiger helicopter to be replaced by a fleet of Apache s armed reconnaissance helicopter (ARH). The federal government has approved the purchase of up to 29 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, replacing a fleet of 22 Tiger ARHs. The model is flown in the US and 15 other countries and is fitted with upgraded sensors, improved attack capabilities and improved survivability. The Tiger model had been plagued by malfunctions, with repairs taking its per-hour flying cost to an estimated $34,000. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the government had considered a range of models to replace it but settled on the low risk Apache.
A company-produced impression shows how the Apache Guardian helicopter might look in AAAC colors. (Photo: Boeing)
The government of Australia has confirmed that it has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian for its Land 4503 helicopter program to provide armed reconnaissance helicopters for the Australian Army Aviation Corps (AAAC). The choice of the Apache edges out the Bell AH-1Z Viper and effectively seals the fate of the incumbent Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable, and lowest-risk option, meeting all of [the Ministry of] Defence s capability, through-life support, security, and certification requirements, said defense minister Linda Reynolds in announcing the selection on January 15. By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the Apache, Defence will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule risk typically associated with developmental platforms.
Canberra has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter to replace the Australian Army's fleet of 22 Airbus Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARHs), Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said on 15 January. Canbe.
December 31, 2020
The US will arm Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt with the latest AH-64E Apache Guardian gunships and other military hardware.
The State Department has approved possible foreign military sales of the latest AH-64E helicopter to Kuwait for an estimated cost of $4 billion. It has also announced possible FMS (foreign military sales) of various equipment to Arab countries, including small diameter bombs (SDBs) to Saudi Arabia and targeting pods and other equipment to Egypt.
The Kuwait deal, when finalized, would include the sales of 6 units of AH-64E Apache ‘Guardian’
helicopter gunships and the remanufacture of the existing 16 AH-64D Apache ‘Longbows to new AH-64E standard.