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.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme]()
Lockheed Martin conducts first flight of U-2 Avionics Tech Refresh programme
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has successfully completed the first flight of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft Avionics Tech Refresh (ATR) programme, an effort to upgrade the type's capabilities for the future battlespace.
-
![PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq]()
PLA shows off new UCAV, while CH-5 achieves sale to Iraq
China's aerospace industry continues to develop and sell advanced UAVs both at home and on the international market and has displayed UCAVs at the China Helicopter Exhibition in Tianjin.
-
![Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability]()
Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability
The USAF has selected Northrop Grumman to develop and test the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a new air-to-ground weapon system, for fifth-generation aircraft and beyond.
-
![India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order]()
India to add to Su-30MKI fleet with new order
India will order a dozen extra Su-30 fighters from Russia, these to be assembled by HAL within India.
-
![Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery]()
Sweden accelerates Gripen E fighter jet delivery
Adjustments to an existing contract aims to facilitate the continued development and operational use of Gripen C/D aircraft beyond 2030, in parallel with the introduction of the Gripen E next-generation fighter.
