The Australian Ministry of Defense has selected the Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian as its new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). The new aircraft will replace the 22 Eurocopter/Airbus Tiger Helicopters in service with the Australian Army. At least 29 aircraft will be acquired.
“Apache Guardian is the deadliest, most survivable, lowest risk option, meeting all Defense capability, , security and certification requirements”, said Defense Minister Linda Reynolds.
"This new capability will strengthen Australia's reconnaissance military to better shape our strategic environment and deter actions against our national interests", said the Minister.
Australia took delivery of its first Tigers in 2004, but the aircraft did not reach full operational capacity until 2016, seven years later than originally planned. The aircraft should be replaced by Apaches from 2025. The Bell AH-1Z Viper also participated in the competition to replace the Australian Tigers.
Currently, the AH-64 flies in another 16 countries including the US, with another six in the Asia-Pacific region: Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The aircraft employs a 230mm M30 cannon and can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, AIM-92 Stinger and 70mm rockets.
