Netherlands receives first upgraded Apache E model
Boeing received an FMS contract through the US DoD in 2019 to remanufacture 28 RNLAF AH-64D Apache helicopters to the upgraded E V6 model. (Photo: US DoD)
Upgrading the Royal Netherlands Air Force Apaches to the AH-64E V6 model will increase the fleet's attack power, versatility and situational awareness.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has received the first AH-64E V6 Apache model with improved performance, sensors and software, Boeing announced on 25 October.
The company received an FMS contract through the US DoD in 2019 to remanufacture 28 RNLAF AH-64D Apache helicopters to the upgraded E V6 model.
The delivery target for the last aircraft is set for 2025.
‘By upgrading from the D-model to the E-model Apache, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will gain a significant increase in attack power, versatility and situational awareness for decades to come,’ Kathleen Jolivette, Boeing VP of attack helicopter programmes and senior Mesa site executive, noted in a statement.
Boeing unveiled the 'Modernised Apache' concept, an extensive upgrade package of the AH-64E V6 during AUSA 2022.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, AH-64E V6 enhancements comprise extended range for the Longbow Fire Control Radar; RF interferometer passive ranging; Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) integration; Modernized Day Sensor Assembly with colour displays; and a maritime targeting capability.
The new Apache model will be compatible with long-range precision munitions currently in development, and it will support a future directed energy weapon.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
-
![Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets]()
Turkey finalises $7.2 billion deal with UK for 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The deal will include a weapons package alongside the aircraft, with deliveries expected from 2030.
-
![NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements]()
NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements
Despite shared goals, NATO’s counter-uncrewed aerial system efforts remain fragmented, with parallel initiatives lacking a unified doctrine or integrated deployment strategy.
-
![“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft]()
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
-
![Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10]()
Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10
The undisclosed customer, described as an “innovative defence contractor”, has reserved three Airlander 10 aircraft for military use.
