A Republic of Singapore Air Force Apache AH-64D helicopter seen here at the Singapore Airshow 2024. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)
Singapore's fleet of Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters will soon undergo a life extension programme (LEP).
The matter was confirmed by the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) outgoing chief, Major General Kelvin Khong, in a statement ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2024, held from 20 to 25 February.
“The AH-64D Apache helicopter continues to be a versatile multimission aircraft that is effective in both day and night, against threats from air, land, and sea, and under all weather conditions,” said Maj Gen Khong, who will step down as chief of the RSAF in March 2024.
“The RSAF has been operating the AH-64D since 1999 and it continues to play an important role for [the] SAF [Singapore Armed Forces]. The RSAF will embark on a life extension programme for our AH-64Ds to ensure it remains operationally ready beyond 2030,” he added.
Singapore procured eight AH-64Ds in 1999 and the option for an additional 12 was finalised in 2001. The aircraft is operated by the RSAF's 120 Squadron based in Sembawang, but its operations are closely tied to units of the Singapore Army.
The RSAF's AH-64Ds are equipped with the AGM-114K Hellfire 2 laser-guided missile and the Orbital ATK M230 chain gun.
In 2017 Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) disclosed that the aircraft will be upgraded with a helicopter integrated electronic warfare system (HIEWS) to enhance survivability, and a satellite communication suite.
For more information on the AH-64D, please seeBoeing AH-64 Apache.
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