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Major General Jeremy King, head of Defence’s Joint Aviation Systems Division, attended the official raising of the Australian flag above the Apache production line at Mesa, Arizona.
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The flag raising ceremony is held for all Apache customers and signifies the growing global fleet of Apache operators, and is a major morale milestone in Australia’s acquisition of the AH-64E Guardian variant of the venerable Apache attack helicopter.
Australia will be the 18th nation to operate the Apache as its attack helicopter, joining a fleet of more than 1,280 operating worldwide.
Christina Upah, vice-president of Boeing Attack Helicopter Programs, welcomed MAJGEN King and Australia’s participation in the Apache program, saying, “We are honoured to welcome our Australian partners to Mesa for this important milestone and proud to fly their flag as an enduring symbol of our commitment to the people of Australia.”
MAJGEN King, head of the Australian Defence Department’s Joint Aviation Systems Division, said at the event, “I am incredibly proud to witness the raising of the Australian flag to adorn this facility, which will be at the heart of production for Australia’s new fleet of Apache attack helicopters.”
Australian suppliers Axiom Precision Manufacturing, Cablex, Ferra Engineering, and Thomas Global Systems, which are producing parts and components for the Australian or international fleets, attended the event.
The Australian government sought to replace the beleaguered ARH Tiger with a “proven and mature, off-the-shelf manned armed helicopter” to deliver armed reconnaissance effects in the close and deep contested battlespace in support of the Australian Defence Force.
To support Australia’s fleet of Apaches, a further AU$500 million has been earmarked to upgrade aviation facilities and infrastructure at Townsville. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2025, with initial operating capability projected for 2026 and full operating capability expected by 2028.
