Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins
US Army Apache attack helicopter at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon – a sign of things to come with Australia’s version on the way. (Photo: author)
After giving European Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 large utility helicopters a chance to meet Australian needs, which encountered problems, the country has turned back to the US for Apaches and Black Hawks, respectively.
Boeing expects to deliver the first four Apache AH-64E attack helicopters to the Australian Army before the end of this year as it announced that the first aircraft, designated AT001, had entered final assembly.
Speaking at the Avalon Australian International Airshow near Melbourne this week, army officials said initial operating capability was set for 2028 and all 29 aircraft would be delivered before the end of that year. These plans will run alongside the retirement of the army’s Tiger attack helicopters which are expected to go out of service before the end of 2026, meaning there will be at least a year
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
-
![Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles]()
Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
-
![L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions]()
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
-
![Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans]()
Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was the lead customer for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the platform has been ordered by several countries with platforms ordered by the UK, with the US and NATO also selecting the platform.
