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Australia’s first set of AH-64E helicopters have commenced their first flying operations in Townsville following their initial delivery to the Australian Defence Force in September.
This first flight represents the safe operation of the Boeing attack helicopters being used by Australia’s military, marking a significant milestone in the growing capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.
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“The commencement of AH-64E Apache flying operations is a tremendous achievement for Army and the Defence aviation enterprise, which is currently undertaking a generational uplift in Army’s battlefield aviation capability,” said Commander of Army Aviation Command Major General David Hafner.
“Our team has been working hard to qualify air and ground crews, deliver essential support systems and conduct maintenance and logistics activities, which are essential to operation of the Townsville-based attack helicopter fleet.”
Australia currently has four AH-64E helicopters and will see Army pilots conducting flying programs to validate operational procedures and requirements. The delivery of the choppers is set to provide integrated forces with aviation attack capabilities across a range of environments.
“Defence’s investment in North Queensland, in support of the Apache fleet, will generate significant training and employment opportunities for local people and businesses as we build a capable, robust and resilient industry base to support Army’s growing battlefield aviation capabilities,” said Major General Jeremy King, head of Joint Aviation Systems Division.
“As Australia’s Apache fleet grows, so too will our integrated workforce. Our military workforce will continue to gradually transition from Tiger to Apache, supported by specialist contracted and industry personnel.”
Currently, 1,300 Apache helicopters are operating across 19 defence forces, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Japan, which Hafner said will support Australia in working advancing operating capabilities.
Hafner said the helicopter’s delivery and operation highlights “the strength of our partnership with the United States and United Kingdom, whose support in training and qualifying our personnel ensures they are fully prepared to operate this advanced capability”.
