Dutch army adds first E-Standard Apache helicopters

Netherlands has recently deployed refurbished AH-64D Apache attack helicopters that have undergone upgrades to meet the ‘E’ standard

The Netherlands reintegrated an initial batch of its recently upgraded and modernized Apache AH-64E attack helicopters into active service Friday, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

These helicopters will remain operational until 2050. In its weekly update, the Dutch Ministry announced that the first four aircraft were successfully restored to operational capability and are now in service with the Royal Netherlands’ Air Force 301 Squadron.

Additionally, plans are in place to update another 16 aircraft in the coming years. Fort Cavazos, a U.S. Army post in Texas currently utilizes six AH-64E aircraft for training.

Additionally, two more upgraded platforms are scheduled to be delivered in 2025.

The Netherlands is modernizing its outdated AH-64D fleet to the ‘Echo’ (E) Version 6 standard. The country currently has a fleet of 28 aircraft, which were delivered between 1998 and 2002.

Boeing announced 2022 that they will upgrade all 28 AH-64Ds to the Version 6 standard.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) received the first batch of refurbished AH-64Es in October 2022.

The AH-64 Apache is a two-seat, twin-turbine attack helicopter used primarily by the U.S. military.

It arrives at the target area by flying very low, rises with hover and fires and leaves the area again in low flight. This type of flight plays an essential role in evading enemy radars and air defense systems. 

Source: Newsroom