Australia selects Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter from 2025

 

A CGI of what the AH-64E Apache Guardian in Australian Army colours. Photo c/o Vertical Magazine.

The Australian Department of Defence (DOD) has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as the next Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) of the Australian Army (AA) under its LAND 4503 program.

Defence Minister Sen. Linda Reynolds confirmed this on 15 January 2021, while also stating that the new helicopters will replace the existing Airbus Tiger ARH starting 2025.

The Airbus Tiger ARH are plagued with problems in most of its operational service with the Australian Army.

29 helicopters are to be acquired under a program that is expected to cost around A$4.5 billion (US$3.6 billion).

According to Min. Reynolds, the Apache is the most lethal, most survivable, and less risky option that meets all requirements on capability, through life support, security and certification, as well as proven ability, maturity, and an off-the-shelf operating system.

The Apache Guardians will be equipped with fully-developed mission systems including the Link 16 tactical data link network, and advanced satellite communication systems that are superior to those found in the Australian Army's Tiger ARH.

The new helicopters can also connect with and control armed drones through its manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) system.

The Apache is currently in service with dozens of countries including the US Army and the UK British Army, and most of Australia's partners and regional neighbours including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia. This benefits for interoperability, economies of scale, and shared logistics.

Australia evaluated the Apache Guardian along with other options including the Bell AH-1Z Viper, which is being used by the US Marine Corps which regularly deploys to Australia, and is designed for maritime use. 

[1] Australian Defence Magazine
[2] Vertical Magazine
[3] The Strategist