Boeing, March 05, 2025 - London, United Kingdom – Boeing delivered the 50th remanufactured AH-64E attack helicopter to the UK in a ceremony at its Mesa, Arizona site.
Members of the British Army Headquarters and Defence Equipment & Support, joined by partners from the U.S. Army and industry, accepted the aircraft from Boeing.
Maria Laine, president of Boeing UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, said "Delivering the 50th E-model Apache to the British Army marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s enduring partnership with the UK, a relationship that spans more than 80 years. I am immensely proud of our local and global team for their dedication in delivering and supporting this advanced Apache fleet, a vital capability that will bolster national security for decades to come."
Boeing upgraded the British Army’s previous D-model Apaches to the E-model configuration in a process that combines existing parts with a brand-new fuselage and updated technologies. The AH-64 continues to demonstrate the ability to evolve with the needs of the mission while upgrading to the newest capabilities, enabling it to remain a critical element of the UK’s defence force.
Mark Langrill, DE&S Director Rotary Wing & Uncrewed Air Systems, said “We are incredibly proud to accept such a cutting-edge capability, and to receive the final airframe of the British Army fleet. The Apache programme is being delivered by a team drawn from across DE&S, industry and our British Army colleagues, all of whom share a common goal to bring the most up to date version of this outstanding battle-winning aircraft into service while creating and supporting jobs and skills in the UK.”
Boeing employees work alongside the British Army to deliver all aspects of the Apache mission including training and sustainment. The 20-year Long Term Training and Support Services agreement between Boeing and the Ministry of Defence has created more than 300 jobs at Middle Wallop and Wattisham, including 15 aircraft technician apprentices. More than 70 UK-based suppliers deliver into the global Apache fleet and support UK sustainment and training.
Colonel David Amlôt MBE, of the British Army’s Combat Aviation Programmes, said “The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the most advanced Attack Helicopter in the world. Battle tested and modernised, it is a fully integrated weapon system designed to fight multi-domain operations in highly contested, complex battlespace in the harshest environments from the desert to the arctic."
With more than 1,300 aircraft in operation around the world, the Apache is the attack helicopter of choice for 19 nations. Since delivering the first A-model Apache from its Mesa, Arizona site in 1984, Boeing has continued to upgrade and improve the aircraft to stay ahead of evolving global threats. The AH-64E is the most modern configuration of the Apache and combines a battle-tested design with transformational technologies to deliver an unmatched mix of performance and versatility.
About Boeing in the United Kingdom : As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing [NYSE: BA] develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 4,000 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and has spent more than £13.7bn with over 950 UK-based suppliers since 2015.
Handover ceremony of final Apache Mk2
US Army by Belinda Bazinet - The British Army received the 50th and final remanufactured AH-64E attack helicopter to the United Kingdom during a ceremony in Mesa, Arizona on March 6.
This delivery bolsters its attack capabilities with the final delivery of a fully modernized AH-64E Apache helicopter. This milestone completes the UK's AH-64E fleet upgrade, solidifying its position as a leading military force.
Alex Alejo, PM Apache’s International Programs Product Manager, said “It was fitting to celebrate the 50th and final Apache delivery to one of our closest allies in the 50th year of the Apache program. This is truly a great milestone for our nation’s partnership and a great achievement for the teams of people that made this happen.”
The British Army's existing Apache AH-64D models were remanufactured to the advanced E-model configuration, which included integrating new fuselages, and cutting-edge technologies, using existing parts to create a highly capable and cost-effective solution. The AH-64E Apache features an open systems architecture, allowing the integration of the latest advancements in communication, navigation, detection, and weaponry. Its advanced target designation system enables operations in day and night, under all weather conditions, thanks to its night vision navigation capabilities.
Art Medellin, PM Apache Deputy Project Manager, said “The U.S. Army has demonstrated its longstanding commitment to supporting our British allies through the delivery of the Apache. This collaboration underscores the strong defense partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom, enhancing the operational capabilities of the British Army's Apache fleet. The AH-64E Apache is a 21st Century attack helicopter that is more lethal, agile, survivable and integrated and will enhance the way the British Army fights.”
Equipped with an optimized fire control radar, the Apache can identify and classify both ground and aerial targets with enhanced effectiveness in maritime environments. Versatile, highly durable, and formidable in combat, this multirole helicopter remains one of the most feared in its category.
Mark Langrill, Defence Equipment & Support’s (DE&S) Director of Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems, said “We are incredibly proud to accept such a cutting-edge capability and to receive the final airframe of the British Army fleet. The Apache program is being delivered by a team drawn from across DE&S, industry, and our British Army colleagues—all of whom share a common goal: to bring the most up-to-date version of this outstanding battle-winning aircraft into service while creating and supporting jobs and skills in the UK.”
With over 1,300 aircraft operational in 19 countries, the Apache earned its place as the world's attack helicopter. The AH-64E represents the peak of Apache development, combining combat-proven design with revolutionary technology for unmatched performance and adaptability.
Members of the British Army Headquarters and Defence Equipment & Support, joined by partners from the U.S. Army and industry, accepted the aircraft from Boeing.
Maria Laine, president of Boeing UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, said "Delivering the 50th E-model Apache to the British Army marks a significant milestone in Boeing’s enduring partnership with the UK, a relationship that spans more than 80 years. I am immensely proud of our local and global team for their dedication in delivering and supporting this advanced Apache fleet, a vital capability that will bolster national security for decades to come."
Boeing upgraded the British Army’s previous D-model Apaches to the E-model configuration in a process that combines existing parts with a brand-new fuselage and updated technologies. The AH-64 continues to demonstrate the ability to evolve with the needs of the mission while upgrading to the newest capabilities, enabling it to remain a critical element of the UK’s defence force.
Mark Langrill, DE&S Director Rotary Wing & Uncrewed Air Systems, said “We are incredibly proud to accept such a cutting-edge capability, and to receive the final airframe of the British Army fleet. The Apache programme is being delivered by a team drawn from across DE&S, industry and our British Army colleagues, all of whom share a common goal to bring the most up to date version of this outstanding battle-winning aircraft into service while creating and supporting jobs and skills in the UK.”
Boeing employees work alongside the British Army to deliver all aspects of the Apache mission including training and sustainment. The 20-year Long Term Training and Support Services agreement between Boeing and the Ministry of Defence has created more than 300 jobs at Middle Wallop and Wattisham, including 15 aircraft technician apprentices. More than 70 UK-based suppliers deliver into the global Apache fleet and support UK sustainment and training.
Colonel David Amlôt MBE, of the British Army’s Combat Aviation Programmes, said “The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the most advanced Attack Helicopter in the world. Battle tested and modernised, it is a fully integrated weapon system designed to fight multi-domain operations in highly contested, complex battlespace in the harshest environments from the desert to the arctic."
With more than 1,300 aircraft in operation around the world, the Apache is the attack helicopter of choice for 19 nations. Since delivering the first A-model Apache from its Mesa, Arizona site in 1984, Boeing has continued to upgrade and improve the aircraft to stay ahead of evolving global threats. The AH-64E is the most modern configuration of the Apache and combines a battle-tested design with transformational technologies to deliver an unmatched mix of performance and versatility.
About Boeing in the United Kingdom : As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing [NYSE: BA] develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of over 4,000 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and has spent more than £13.7bn with over 950 UK-based suppliers since 2015.
UK Modernizes Attack Helicopter Fleet with 50th AH-64E Apache Delivery
Handover ceremony of final Apache Mk2
US Army by Belinda Bazinet - The British Army received the 50th and final remanufactured AH-64E attack helicopter to the United Kingdom during a ceremony in Mesa, Arizona on March 6.
This delivery bolsters its attack capabilities with the final delivery of a fully modernized AH-64E Apache helicopter. This milestone completes the UK's AH-64E fleet upgrade, solidifying its position as a leading military force.
Alex Alejo, PM Apache’s International Programs Product Manager, said “It was fitting to celebrate the 50th and final Apache delivery to one of our closest allies in the 50th year of the Apache program. This is truly a great milestone for our nation’s partnership and a great achievement for the teams of people that made this happen.”
The British Army's existing Apache AH-64D models were remanufactured to the advanced E-model configuration, which included integrating new fuselages, and cutting-edge technologies, using existing parts to create a highly capable and cost-effective solution. The AH-64E Apache features an open systems architecture, allowing the integration of the latest advancements in communication, navigation, detection, and weaponry. Its advanced target designation system enables operations in day and night, under all weather conditions, thanks to its night vision navigation capabilities.
Art Medellin, PM Apache Deputy Project Manager, said “The U.S. Army has demonstrated its longstanding commitment to supporting our British allies through the delivery of the Apache. This collaboration underscores the strong defense partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom, enhancing the operational capabilities of the British Army's Apache fleet. The AH-64E Apache is a 21st Century attack helicopter that is more lethal, agile, survivable and integrated and will enhance the way the British Army fights.”
Equipped with an optimized fire control radar, the Apache can identify and classify both ground and aerial targets with enhanced effectiveness in maritime environments. Versatile, highly durable, and formidable in combat, this multirole helicopter remains one of the most feared in its category.
Mark Langrill, Defence Equipment & Support’s (DE&S) Director of Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems, said “We are incredibly proud to accept such a cutting-edge capability and to receive the final airframe of the British Army fleet. The Apache program is being delivered by a team drawn from across DE&S, industry, and our British Army colleagues—all of whom share a common goal: to bring the most up-to-date version of this outstanding battle-winning aircraft into service while creating and supporting jobs and skills in the UK.”
With over 1,300 aircraft operational in 19 countries, the Apache earned its place as the world's attack helicopter. The AH-64E represents the peak of Apache development, combining combat-proven design with revolutionary technology for unmatched performance and adaptability.
Boeing Mesa See also |
AH-64E Apache in
Army Air Corps 
