The Netherlands receives two additional AH-64E V. 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters.

The US Army has delivered two AH-64E Apache V.6 Guardian attack helicopters to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) as part of a larger order of 28 helicopters, with completion scheduled for 2025, Andrew Salerno-Garthwaite reports in Airforce Technology. The delivery was announced by the US Program Executive Office (PEO) on January 10, 2024.
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The first of two Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters is loaded onto a USAF C-17 Globemaster III for transport to Woensdrecht Air Base, Netherlands (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The sale of these Apaches, valued at $1.2 billion, was approved by the US State Department in February 2018, aiming to bolster the security of a NATO ally. Boeing was awarded the contract by the Department of Defense in 2019.

These newly delivered helicopters were remanufactured from existing AH-64D helicopters in the RNLAF fleet. This process involved integrating original components with reset systems and new components, including composite rotor blades, an upgraded gearbox, advanced communication and navigation systems, enhanced sensors, data correlation systems, and improved pilot cognitive decision-aiding systems. The T700-GE-701C Engines were also upgraded to T700-GE-701D.

The remanufactured Apaches boast modern avionics, featuring a new fire control radar, a modernized target acquisition and designation system, and an updated pilot night vision sensor. They also incorporate modernized radar frequency interferometers, embedded global positioning systems, and inertial navigation systems with multi-mode receivers. Boeing delivered the first remanufactured Apache to the RNLAF in October 2022.

Although these Apaches are remanufactured, they are considered new aircraft by the PEO. Alexa Alejo, a product manager with PEO Aviation’s Apache project office, emphasized that this delivery signifies a significant milestone in the US Army's partnership with the RNLAF. The RNLAF gains increased attack power, versatility, situational awareness, and interoperability with these advanced AH-64E v6 Apache helicopters. Boeing's commitment to delivering these upgraded helicopters highlights the enduring collaboration between the US and the Netherlands.