Boeing to produce 184 more Apache helicopters for U.S. Army, Australian military

Boeing has announced that it will produce another 184 Apache attack helicopters after securing contracts with the U.S. Army, the Australian military, and several other international partners.

“We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet, while supporting additional partner nations and welcoming our newest Apache customer, the Australian Army,” said Christina Upah, vice president of attack helicopter programs and senior Boeing Mesa site executive. “This contract highlights the need for Apaches worldwide.”

A total of 130 of the helicopters are being purchased by the U.S. Army, with the remaining Apaches being acquired by foreign governments like Australia. The helicopters acquired by the Australian military will be the first Apaches in that nation’s air fleet.

“This multi-year contract is critical for the warfighter and the entire Apache team,” said Col. John (Jay) Maher, U.S. Army Apache project manager. “It demonstrates the Army’s commitment to continue putting unmatched capability into the hands of our nation’s finest, while providing stability and predictability for the outstanding citizens and companies that pour their talent into producing the best attack helicopter in the world.”

The company, which produces the AH-64E Apache helicopter in Mesa, produced nearly 250 remanufactured Apaches under a multi-year contract signed in 2017. The 184 new Apaches set to be constructed are part of a newly-signed $1.9 billion contract with the Army and foreign governments. According to Boeing, the contract has the potential to increase to nearly $4 billion with future obligations.
Boeing employs hundreds of Arizonans in its operations, recently investing $150 million into an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Mesa.