The Department of State has approved a possible sale of AH-64E Apache sustainment support services and related equipment to Australia for an estimated cost of $300 million.
The Albanese government requested engineering, technical, program, and logistics support, technical data, and personnel training for its attack helicopter fleet. In 2022, it announced its intention to purchase 29 new AH-64Es to replace the Australian Army’s Eurocopter Tiger aircraft.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the potential foreign military sale will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives and enhance Canberra’s ability to address current and future threats, support coalition operations, and maintain regional stability.
Boeing, which joins Lockheed Martin as the principal contractor for the project, describes the AH-64E Apache as the world’s most advanced attack helicopter, offering superior performance, situational awareness, survivability and target detection. It expects delivery of the first aircraft in late 2025.