Netherlands receives AH-64E Version 6 Apache attack helicopters
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. (Photo: US DoD/Netherlands Air Force)
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has received two advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters remanufactured from the service’s AH-64D fleet.
The US has delivered two new AH-64E, Version 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF), the US Program Executive Office has announced. The rotorcrafts were transported by a US Air Force C-17 to Woensdrecht Air Base Logistics Center-Woensdrecht (LCW) for initial inspection and inventory.
Currently, the Netherlands has a total of 28 Boeing-made Apaches on order. The two deliver helicopters and follow-on aircraft will be assembled and tested at Woensdrecht, before being flown to their future operating station of Gilze-Rijen Air Base. Final delivery of the upgraded aircraft has been scheduled to take place in 2025.
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. Although the AH-64Es use parts from the original AH-64D, all the systems have been reset, so can be considered new aircraft.
Upgrades in the E model have incorporated the most modern configuration, including more powerful engines, an upgraded gearbox and new composite rotor blades. The new attack helicopters also feature updated communications, navigation, sensors, data correlation and pilot cognitive decision aiding systems.
“The successful delivery of the new AH-64E v6 Apache is a turning point for the Netherlands and is emblematic of the significant long-term partnership between the US Army and the RNAF,” said Alexa Alejo, a product manager with PEO Aviation’s Apache project office. “The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter and the RNAF is gaining a significant increase in attack power, versatility, situational awareness and interoperability.”
The Netherlands Armed Forces have been operating the Apache since 1998.
Version 6 of the AH-64 is not the latest type. Boeing announced last October the successful maiden flight of the latest version of the AH-64E, known as Version 6.5 (V6.5). The company said that the upgraded configuration represented a vital step in modernising the attack helicopter.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Regent’s Viceroy targets “early March” for US Marine-aided sea trials]()
Regent’s Viceroy targets “early March” for US Marine-aided sea trials
The sea trials will focus on de-risking the seaglider with US Marine involvement after Regent signed a partnership to help develop the prototype, against a backdrop of growing military interest from the UK and Japan.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones launches ‘The Raider’, its new hydrogen-powered UAS]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones launches ‘The Raider’, its new hydrogen-powered UAS
The new uncrewed aerial system has been designed to address multiple mission requirements, building on its H2D family of drones with an extended range and payload capacity.
-
![Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft]()
Netherlands signs deal for eight PC-7 MKX training aircraft
The eight new aircraft will also be joined by four flight simulators, the former replacing the air force’s current Pilatus PC-7 training aircraft by 2027.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2025)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2025)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2025.
-
![Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s]()
Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s
The first Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft have finally been delivered to Ukraine, as confirmed by France’s defence minister on 6 February. They will join the F-16s already in service to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
