Start of Dutch AH-64E Apache Upgrade

Netherlands Ministry of Defence, August 16, 2020 - The 28 Apache attack helicopters of the Defense Helicopter Command will be equipped with new hulls, transmissions and rotor blades.

The power of the engines will be increased and the aircraft will get better mission equipment. For example, the current Apache Delta (AH-64D) fleet is being modernized to the Apache Echo (AH-64E).

According to the current schedule, the entire operation will be completed in the course of 2025.

The first Apache arrived today at the Logistiek Centrum Woensdrecht to prepare the device for transport to America. There, the US Army takes care of the Dutch aircraft for the so-called Apache Remanufacture program.

Apache remanufacture program

The Apache has been in use by the armed forces since 1997. Modernization is necessary in order to remain operationally relevant in view of the current threat developments.

Despite the improvements already made, the Apache has operational and technical limitations in its current configuration. These will increase further in the coming years.

The number of users of the Apache Delta version continues to decline. This makes support and maintenance very expensive, because production of parts, repair and maintenance become very expensive. By participating in the modernization program, Defense will soon have modern, future-proof and affordable combat helicopters.