24 January 2014. The new version of the AH-64E Apache Guardian machines will be replaced with the old, rather outdated attack helicopters. This is the intention of the UK Army Aviation. It will be nice to see the new helicopter technology, however, it is planned to do this over the next six to seven years. In addition, most likely, it is planned to carry out the replacement of machines in a one-to-one format.  

At the moment, at least 66 WAH-64D helicopters are in service with the British army. The military is planning to do this. From the United States to make an order only for the fuselages of the new "Apache", and even with the smallest set of necessary standard equipment. All other equipment, including special systems for aiming and fire control, as well as the engines themselves, will only be rearranged from the old WAH-64D machines to the new ones.

The next two years will show how important it is for the UK to update helicopters, since it is at this time that the Department of Defense’s decision on fleet renewal will become known. It is not excluded that the upgrade of attack helicopters may be delayed for a longer period. The main reason for this delay may be to reduce US defense spending, as the most important customer of the new version of Apache.  

Aircraft manufacturing concern Boeing, which is engaged in production and AH-64E, said that the purchase of more than 50 new "Apache" was postponed because the US has decided to focus only on the modernization of helicopters.

Consequently, only by the end of 2026 will the improvement of the army fleet of helicopters in Great Britain be completed.

AVIA. PRO