Boeing has delivered the first AH-64E Version 6, or v6, Apache helicopter featuring improved performance, sensors and software to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).
As part of a Foreign Military Sale through the U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing received a contract in 2019 to remanufacture 28 RNLAF AH-64 D-model Apaches to the advanced AH-64E v6. Delivery for the final E-model Apache to the country is targeted for 2025.
“The Apache is the most advanced and proven attack helicopter, and demand for it continues to increase worldwide,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Mesa Site Executive at Boeing. “By upgrading from the D-model to the E-model Apache, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will gain a significant increase in attack power, versatility and situational awareness for decades to come.”
The Dutch have operated D-model Apaches since 1998. Deliveries of upgrade E-model Apaches represents the next step in the long-term partnership between Boeing and the country. Apaches continue to be an important element of European defence, and are currently operated by several European allied nations.
“It is an honour to receive the first upgrade Apache Echo. This updated attack helicopter is a great improvement and gives the Royal Netherlands Air Force more combat power and situational awareness. This first delivery is an important step in modernizing our entire Apache fleet,” said Vice Admiral Arie Jan de Waard, the Director of the Defence Materiel Organisation.
It is arguably a Boeing bestseller (originally designed by McDonnell Douglas). The AH-64 is in service in the following countries:
Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, USA.
The AH-64E v6 is the most modern configuration of the Apache attack helicopter. Since 1984, over 2,600 Apaches have been delivered to the U.S. Army and 17 international customers. Currently, there are more than 1,260 Apaches operating worldwide with more than 665 representing the E-model.
A network-centric, fully integrated weapon system specifically built to dominate in highly contested and complex battle space, the Version 6 Apache includes multiple enhancements to the aircraft’s sensors, software and weapons performance.
Designed for interoperability within the ecosystem of Joint All Domain Operations (JADO), the AH-64E v6 is a lethal, survivable and agile system providing the range, manoeuvrability and performance needed by ground forces and contributes to current and future joint mission success.
– 28 AH-64 D-model Apaches will be upgraded with multiple enhancements to the aircraft’s sensors, software and weapons performance.
– The Netherlands have operated AH-64 Apaches since 1998.
The Dutch Apache flies very frequently over Belgium for training flights.
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