Pictures: See ‘impressive’ new Army attack helicopter set to bolster Britain’s military arsenal
“Impressive” new Apache attack helicopters which can detect more than 250 potential targets at once could soon be part of Britain’s military arsenal.
Fourteen of the AH-64E Apache aircraft have been delivered to Wattisham Flying Station, in Suffolk, in recent months and are undergoing test flights with the British Army.
Another 36 are due to arrive by summer 2024 - replacing the Apache AH Mark 1, which will go out of service in 2024.
The new helicopters have a top speed of 186mph and can detect targets up to a range of 10 miles.
Jeremy Quin, defence procurement minister, said: "There can be no doubt these impressive Apache helicopters will help the Army sustain its battle-winning capabilities in future operations.
"In addition to its vital defence purpose, this cutting-edge technology will create and support hundreds of UK jobs."
The British Army has been using Apache helicopters since 2005 in places such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.
A 20-year agreement has been signed with Boeing Defence UK to maintain and support the new fleet, creating more than 200 jobs in the UK in a contract worth £287 million.
Of the new jobs, 165 will be based at the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop, in Hampshire, and 45 at Wattisham Flying Station.
Lieutenant General Sir Chris Tickell, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, said: "I am delighted at the introduction of the AH-64E into British Army service, signifying our commitment to investing in the right equipment for our people to compete and win against the threats facing the UK."
