Press report
First Apache Attack Helicopter Regiment Fully Operational
The UK's first Apache Attack Helicopter regiment is fully operational, following the successful completion of Exercise Eagles Strike today.
9 Regiment Army Air Corps, part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, has been fully trained, tested and exercised as the lead Apache Helicopter Regiment and is now available for operations.
The Regiment Army Air Corps based in Dishforth, Yorkshire, and is the first front-line unit to take delivery of the Apache Attack Helicopter Mk1.
Brigade Commander, Brig Ed Butler, added: "As the modern battlefield becomes more complex, dispersed and technical, we need to evolve our military capability correspondingly.
"The Apache Attack Helicopter will give the British Army a genuine advantage over contemporary and future adversaries in the battlefield air space."
At the conclusion of Exercise Eagles Strike the MOD announced the award of two new contracts worth over £300 million to AgustaWestland that will significantly enhance the Apache Mk1's night vision capability and provide a new four year support solution for the helicopter.
The MOD has entered into a £194m contract with Westland Helicopters to provide Modernised Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Pilots Night Vision Sensors (M-TADS).
The MOD has also awarded a £115m contract to AgustaWestland to provide essential logistics support to the Apache.
The Apache Mk1 is based on the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow. The prime contract was placed with AgustaWestland for the supply of 67 aircraft and all role and support equipment built to UK requirements.
The Mk1 replaces the Lynx/TOW helicopters and will be the key equipment within the Army's new air manoeuvre formation.
The Apache Attack Helicopter can be armed with a variety of weapons including Hellfire missiles, CRV-7 Rockets and 30mm canon rounds.