Netherlands receives two upgraded AH-64E Apache helicopters
10 December, 2023 Modernized Dutch AH-64E Apache. Photo credits: Dutch Ministry of Defence The Netherlands received the first two upgraded AH-64E Apache helicopters.
The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands reported the news. Helicopters arrived at the Woensdrecht Air Base, and the delivery was carried out by a C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. AH-64E (Echo) variant is a deep modernization of AH-64D (Delta).
During the modernization, the attack helicopter received new radar, updated navigation and communication systems, composite blades, and increased engine power. The Royal Netherlands Air Force plans to receive 18 more upgraded helicopters by 2025. The updated AH-64E fleet will operate until 2050.
A C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft arrives at Woensdrecht Air Base.
Photo credits: Dutch Ministry of Defence
It is reported that Boeing's facilities carried out the modernization. There, combat vehicles were completely dismantled, and some components were tested, reused, or replaced with new ones. After several test flights over the next few months, the AH-64E Apache will be deployed to its permanent home base at Gilze-Rijen Air Base.
There, 20 helicopters will be deployed to the 301st Squadron. Another 6 Apaches are already in use at the 302nd Training Squadron in Fort Cavazos, Texas. In October, Militarnyi reported that a modernized AH-64E Apache helicopter in the V6.5 standard had made its first flight in the United States.
AH-64E Apache attack helicopter for the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Photo credits: Boeing
The V6.5 updates were released by the U.S. Department of Defense in December 2021 and were aimed at improving interaction with ground forces and enhancing the pilot interface. They also include:
- Optimized route and attack planning
- Enhanced Link 16 features
- Integration of an Open Systems Interface, setting the stage for Modular Open Systems Approach for maximum interoperability, faster integration, and advanced capabilities fielding.
This version of the helicopter will also be a platform for installing improved General Electric Aerospace T901 engines, which will provide an increased range, more power, and better maneuverability.
Neighboring Poland plans to purchase Echo helicopters.
Earlier, it was reported that Mariusz Blaszczak, Minister of National Defense of Poland, signed an offset agreement with Lockheed Martin, which produces certain elements of helicopters.
It was also reported that the United States would provide the Polish military with eight AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.