Netherlands receives AH-64E Version 6 Apache attack helicopters
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. (Photo: US DoD/Netherlands Air Force)
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has received two advanced AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters remanufactured from the service’s AH-64D fleet.
The US has delivered two new AH-64E, Version 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF), the US Program Executive Office has announced. The rotorcrafts were transported by a US Air Force C-17 to Woensdrecht Air Base Logistics Center-Woensdrecht (LCW) for initial inspection and inventory.
Currently, the Netherlands has a total of 28 Boeing-made Apaches on order. The two deliver helicopters and follow-on aircraft will be assembled and tested at Woensdrecht, before being flown to their future operating station of Gilze-Rijen Air Base. Final delivery of the upgraded aircraft has been scheduled to take place in 2025.
The freshly arrived AH-64E Apaches were remanufactured from the Netherlands AH-64D fleet. Although the AH-64Es use parts from the original AH-64D, all the systems have been reset, so can be considered new aircraft.
Upgrades in the E model have incorporated the most modern configuration, including more powerful engines, an upgraded gearbox and new composite rotor blades. The new attack helicopters also feature updated communications, navigation, sensors, data correlation and pilot cognitive decision aiding systems.
“The successful delivery of the new AH-64E v6 Apache is a turning point for the Netherlands and is emblematic of the significant long-term partnership between the US Army and the RNAF,” said Alexa Alejo, a product manager with PEO Aviation’s Apache project office. “The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter and the RNAF is gaining a significant increase in attack power, versatility, situational awareness and interoperability.”
The Netherlands Armed Forces have been operating the Apache since 1998.
Version 6 of the AH-64 is not the latest type. Boeing announced last October the successful maiden flight of the latest version of the AH-64E, known as Version 6.5 (V6.5). The company said that the upgraded configuration represented a vital step in modernising the attack helicopter.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
-
![Insight: What future remains for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft?]()
Insight: What future remains for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft?
The surveillance aircraft from Boeing is deployed by various countries, most notably the Royal Australian Air Force; but ongoing setbacks for future customers, who cite rising costs and delays, have thrown the aircraft into the spotlight.
-
![US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026]()
US combat drone plan rushes forward with first flight and selection in FY2026
The US Department of Defence (DoD) previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in FY2026.
