The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced, combat proven attack helicopter and an indispensable asset on the evolving battlefield. Defeating today’s threats and continuously transforming for tomorrow, the Apache is the attack helicopter of choice for the U.S. Army and the defense forces of 18 Allies and partners around the world.
In 2025, Boeing received a nearly $4.7 billion contract to build 106 AH-64E new build Apache aircraft, including 96 for Poland. Boeing also delivered the first AH-64E aircraft to the Royal Moroccan Air Force and Australian Army, as well as completed the fleets of the British Army and Indian Army.
Boeing is working closely with the U.S. Army to evolve the aircraft’s capabilities with the latest technologies, focusing on an open systems approach and lines of effort that will enhance the Apache’s capabilities into the future.
Countering Drone Threats
- What’s new? An AH-64E Apache was recently employed in shooting down a drone in Europe for the first time during the Operation Skyfall exercise in March, following a live fire event last November where the attack helicopter successfully defeated 13 out of 14 drone targets using its current capabilities.
- Why it matters: While drones continue to proliferate on the modern battlefield, media reports continue to underscore the Apache’s growing role in countering drone threats in operations and exercises around the world, a growing priority for the U.S. Army and Allies.
- The bottom line: No drone can match the lethality, survivability and connectivity of the Apache – and drones stand little chance against the attack helicopter. Operators around the world have realized that the Apache’s ability to carry heavy and diverse munitions is essential to defeating today’s evolving threats, including drones.
- What’s next: Looking ahead, the integration of Launched Effects and other emerging technologies will further strengthen the Apache’s role as a highly adaptable, network-centric counter-UAS platform.
Accelerating Launched Effects Integration
- What’s new? In a historical first, a Launched Effect was successfully fired from an Apache at a recent exercise.
- Why it matters: Launched Effects will provide a decisive advantage to ground commanders and help protect Soldiers, enhancing the Army’s sensing capabilities and lethality in complex environments
- The bottom line: “The Apache is already defeating today’s threats, and we’re transforming the aircraft to stay ahead of what comes next through capabilities like Launched Effects”, said TJ Jamison, Boeing’s director of Business Development for Attack Helicopter Programs.
- What’s next: The Boeing team continues to leverage its successful virtual demos and is on track to conduct a live fire test with the Army later this year, demonstrating Launched Effects using the Version 6.5 (v6.5) open system interface.
Enabling Family of Systems for Future Command and Control
- What’s new? Boeing’s Open Systems Approach on the AH-64E Apache v6.5 will allow the aircraft to become a critical enabler of the Army’s Family of Systems and future Command and Control network through the seamless integration of new communications and sensors.
Why it matters: As efforts continue to develop a Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architecture for tomorrow’s battlefield, the Apache is evolving with the latest technologies such as mesh radios, new data links and next-gen satcom to become a critical element of the Army’s Family of Systems, enabling an improved Common Operating Picture and integrating with Long Range Precision Fires. - The bottom line: With Link 16 connectivity and a Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) track record spanning more than 10 years, the latest E-model Apache remains a critical asset for Multi-Domain Operations. V6.5 will take the Apache’s capabilities to the next level as the quarterback of the battlefield, extending the aircraft’s sensing and reach across the Joint Force while maintaining its unrivaled firepower.
- What’s next: Version 6.5 is in development and verification. The software has completed key flight and test milestones, and Boeing is currently supporting the U.S. Government with the remaining documentation and verification steps required to field the upgrade.
Reducing Crew Workload
- What’s new? To help Apache pilots in the loop maximize the efficiency of Launched Effects and other new capabilities, we’re developing enhancements that will improve situational awareness and reduce crew workload. Boeing’s design for the Apache’s Advanced Crew Station offers multiple upgrades such as full-color, large-area touch screen displays and Advanced Flight Controls.
- Why it matters: Boeing is developing these innovations inside the Apache’s cockpit so that pilots can focus on achieving their missions. Advanced Flight Controls and the latest helmet technologies enable further workload reduction for Army aviators while maximizing the Apache’s lethality, survivability and performance in all-environment operations.
- The bottom line: “Inside the cockpit, we’re evolving the pilot experience to ease the workload on Apache crews while simultaneously maximizing the lethality, survivability, and interoperability of the platform. We’re enabling the warfighter to seize windows of opportunity on the battlefield and gain the decisive advantage by delivering the Apache’s effects at exactly the right place and time,” said Jamison.
- What’s next: Boeing continues investing in the development and testing of crew station improvements, as well as applying lessons learned from Advanced Flight Control testing on another Vertical Lift platform.
To learn more about how Boeing is advancing the Apache’s capabilities to support the Army’s future needs, click here.