Australia is slated to start receiving the first of 29 ordered Boeing AH-64E Apaches from 2025. This image shows a US Army AH-64E over the Sydney Harbour Bridge in February 2022. (Commonwealth of Australia)
Australia's acquisition of Boeing AH-64E Apaches will be bolstered by the possible addition of a sustainment support package, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has said.
The US Department of State approved the possible sale, worth an estimated USD300 million, under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme on 23 August. The sale package includes related equipment and documentation, the DSCA announced the same day.
The package comprises US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other related elements of logistics, according to the agency. “The proposed sale will improve Australia's capability to meet current and future threats by providing the necessary sustainment support to successfully employ its AH-64E Apache helicopters,” the DSCA said.
The agency added the proposed sustainment and support package “will also improve Australia's capability to support coalition operations and contribute to mutual security goals in the region”.
Australia ordered 29 AH-64Es in March 2023 to replace its Eurocopter Tiger fleet. The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has previously said that it will withdraw the Tigers from service in 2028. According to the DoD, the first AH-64E Apache “is on track for delivery” in 2025. The Apaches are scheduled to achieve full operational capability (FOC) in fiscal year (FY) 2028–29, Janes has reported.
The DSCA added that it delivered the required certification notifying the US Congress of the possible sustainment support sale on 23 August. The principal contractors for the proposed sale are Boeing (at Mesa, Arizona) and the Lockheed Martin facility in Orlando.
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