MoD procure 67 Apache helicopters for Army

The Ministry of Defence has announced that 67 Augusta Westland Apache AH Mk1s have been procured for the British Army.

Augusta Westland, the UK Prime Contractor, is building the aircraft, based on the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow which entered service with the US Army in 1998, to specific UK requirements including state-of-the-art communications and defensive systems.

According to the MoD, the formidable Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) capability of the sensor suite together with other improvements in weapons systems and avionics mean that the Apache will represent a "major enhancement to the armed forces' capability".

Due to enter active service in late 2004, the Apache squadrons will provide a completely new capability which has extensive implications for the British Army's organisation and training, doctrine, logistics and peacetime infrastructure.

Currently 12 Apaches are based at the School of Army Aviation in Middle Wallop, Hants where a state-of-the-art, full mission simulator was cleared for training in December 2001.

Since then Apache training has progressed at a rapid pace and the first operational attack squadron - 656 Sqn AAC of 9 Regt AAC - began conversion to the new aircraft on September 1 this year.

An extensive trial programme planned for late 2004 will establish full operating limits and further trials planned for October 2003 will develop the Apache's sophisticated defensive suite.

Providing a radical change in operational capability for defence, the MoD said it is likely the Apache will be high on the agenda for future deployments.

(SP)