From knocking at the door, to kicking the door In!
Australian Army prepare to transition from ARH Tiger to the AH-64E Guardian operations.
Article: Jaryd Stock
Images: Jaryd Stock & Ryan Imeson
The Australian Army is currently undergoing a significant modernization plan to enhance its armed reconnaissance capabilities by replacing the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger, twenty two of which are based at Robertson Barracks near Darwin in the Northern Territory with Boeing AH-64E Apache/ Guardians.
This transition is part of the LAND 4503 Phase 1 program, which involves acquiring twenty nine Apache helicopters to bolster the Army’s operational effectiveness.
The first of these AH-64E Apaches is currently undergoing final assembly at Boeing’s production facility in Mesa, Arizona and is designated AT-001.
The initial deliveries are scheduled to begin by the end of 2025, with the four helicopters expected to arrive within the year with the next batch of four aircraft delivered in 2026 and then all aircraft delivered to the Australian Army by 2028, by which the Australian Army expect to achieve Initial Operating Capability with the Apache by the end off that year.
The transition to the Apache platform which was announced by the Australian Government back in 2021 is being conducted through the Foreign Military Sales program with the United States Army and is anticipated to significantly enhance the Australian Army’s combat capabilities, offering advanced systems and improved operational performance compared to the retiring ARH Tiger fleet.
Brigadier Andy Thomas, Deputy Commander Army Aviation Command, Brigadier Steven Cleggett, Director General Army Aviation Systems and Mrs Amy List, Managing Director Boeing Defence Australia stand in-front of the AH-64E Apache on display at Avalon 2025.
Speaking today on Day 1 at the Australian International Airshow 2025, Australian Army aviation representatives held a press conference outlining the Apaches procurement and planed introduction into service.
Speaking in front of the U.S. Army AH-64E Apache- Guardian from the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) on display at Avalon this morning, Deputy Commander Army Aviation Command Brigadier Steven Cleggett spoke with APD after the press conference and discussed how the Apache will bolster the lethality of ARH operations moving forward.
“This is a next generation capability we are introducing and we are really excited as the AH-64E Apache Version 6 helps us to increase our lethality over our current fleet of ARH Tiger aircraft.
With the sensors onboard we are able to see more effectively and increase the range where we can monitor the battlefield over what we can currently with the Tiger ARH.”
The Apache’s lethality compared to the ARH Tiger can be likened to the Tiger’s ability to Knock on the door of a contested battlefield, to the Apache’s ability to Kick the door in the battle space, and this has been highlighted with the announcement that the Australian Apache’s will be fitted with the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) system.
The MUM-T system enables seamless integration and coordination between manned Apache helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), providing enhanced situational awareness, surveillance, and strike capabilities and will be fitted to the aircraft where the Longbow radar system dome sits on the AH-64D.
Here’s how the MUM-T system functions on the Apache:
- Unmanned Aircraft Integration: The Apache can communicate and control UAVs, such as the MQ-1C Gray Eagle or similar platforms. These UAVs act as force multipliers by extending the range and enhancing the reconnaissance capabilities of the Apache crew. The Apache crew can share data and imagery from UAVs, giving them a broader operational picture in real-time.
- Situational Awareness: By integrating the UAV’s sensors and video feeds into the Apache’s cockpit, the crew can receive additional intelligence on the battlefield, enhancing their decision-making. This is particularly useful for targeting and managing threats, as well as reducing the risk of enemy engagements.
Australian Army’s first AH-64E Apache-Guardian (AT-001) on the production line at the Boeing plant in Mesa, Arizona. Image: Boeing
There are a number of Australian pilots and maintenance crews already training with the U.S. Army embedded in various CAB’s located in the United States, as well as embedded with United Kingdom army units which are giving the Australian Army crews valuable training in building currency in Apache operations in the air and on the ground.
“We have a significant amount of personnel embedded overseas who are currently being trained in various roles operating the Apache, and we’ve had long standing exchanges particularly with the United States Army”, BRIGCOM Cleggett stated.
“Also we are aligned with the U.S. Army meaning our platforms are identical to theirs and that will help us later on to be fully interoperable with U.S. Army crews and that is a real baseline and structure for us.
We get to have all of the experience of the lessons and learnings from what they have done over the many years operating the Apache, and that will help us and be fundamental to how we will operate our Apache moving into the future.”
Maratime operations will be undertaken by the Apache-Guardian as Boeing had designed the Echo version of the Helicopter to be adept at maritime and coastal operations, with plans to operate the helicopter from the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra class Landing Helicopter Dock’s (LHD).
The AH-64E Apache Guardian’s maritime capabilities allow it to participate in naval operations, but it is generally considered an augmentation to naval forces rather than a primary maritime asset. Its primary value in maritime operations lies in its ability to provide versatile strike capabilities, surveillance, and targeting support, particularly in littoral and coastal environments where traditional naval air platforms may not always be available.
Moving forward the modernisation program for the Australian Army is at full pace, apart of the Apache procurement is plans for the attack helicopter to be based at Royal Australian Air Force Base Townsville, where the current Boeing CH-47F Chinook flying with 5th Aviation Regiment are currently based.
Boeing Defence Australia will also construct a hub to support the Apache and Chinook operations at Townsville, where the private workforce will grow to around 230 people building training programs to make sure the capability of both helicopters are well cared for.
Avalon Airshow continues until Sunday March 30th.
Jaryd picked up a camera at a young age and has never looked back. He now combines photography and writing to highlight "Downunder" aviation; especially U.S. DoD units. Jaryd uses Nikon cameras and lenses.