Scott Morrison, Australian Prime Minister, has confirmed that the Government has acquired 29 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters.

Defence24 reported about this.

The price and timeline of bringing the helicopters into service were also announced. They will be replacing the Airbus Helicopter Tiger ARH reconnaissance and combat helicopters.

The purchase of new equipment accounted for more than $3.8 billion, and another $3.45 billion were spent as the related investments on infrastructure preparation, training, and more.

It is noted that such a high cost is the result of the desire to create a completely new Apache operating unit, which will be based permanently in an undefined place. This regards the 24 AH-64E helicopters. Another five will be working at Oakey Army Aviation Centre (Oakey, Queensland).

Boeing with the AH-64E competed for the contract, as did Bell with the AH-1Z Viper and Airbus Helicopter with a proposal to upgrade the Tiger.

Australia’s intention to buy new helicopters was first reported in 2016.

The selection of the Apache Guardians was finally announced in October 2021, and earlier, in June 2021, the U.S. State Department agreed to sell them.

In 2025, Australia will be receiving the first helicopters.

In 2026, they will reach the initial operational readiness, and in 2028 – the absolute one.