US Army to Buy up to 12 New AH-64E Apaches from Boeing

The US Army plans to purchase up to 12 new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing, the sole designer and manufacturer of the aircraft. The contract will be a sole-source deal, meaning it was negotiated with only one company rather than opened up to competitive bidding.

Boeing has been the exclusive manufacturer of the Apache since its development decades ago, due in part to the Army not owning the necessary technical data package or proprietary information required for production. The 53-month effort will cover the remanufacture of up to 12 aircraft and dedicated work to manage obsolescence in critical electronic components.

The AH-64E represents a significant upgrade over earlier Apache models, featuring advanced digital systems, missiles, and networked capabilities that allow for real-time intelligence sharing across the Joint force. Boeing has continued expanding the aircraft's capabilities, with plans to integrate directed energy weapons, small drones, and other technologies in the near future.