The U.S. Army placed a $4.68-billion contract with Boeing Defense, Space & Security for a fleet of new Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, Longbow flight simulators for crew training, and related component parts, spare parts, and accessories. The six-and-a-half year contract will run through May 2032.
Boeing operations in Mesa, Ariz., will carry out the project.
The announcement by the U.S. Dept. of Defense did not detail the number of helicopters - which have a reported unit cost of $52 million - but indicated the aircraft are designated as part of the Foreign Military Sales program for defense forces in Poland, Egypt, and Kuwait.
In 2024 Poland placed a contract with DoD’s Foreign Military Sales program to acquire 96 Apache helicopters. Egypt and Kuwait are reportedly acquiring new or modernized AH-64E aircraft.
The Apache AH-64E is a modernized and network-centric attack helicopter with advanced capabilities that include manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), meaning the two-man crew can control drones from the cockpit. It is faster and more agile than preceding Apache models, with a more powerful engine and composite main rotor blades.
The aircraft’s advanced sensors, 360° radar, and weapons systems (which include a 30-mm chain gun, Hellfire missiles, and Hydra rockets) allow for precise, lethal strikes and better situational awareness for the flight crew.
