The British Army has been sharing its expert knowledge with the Australian Army in preparation for the new Apache AH-64E attack helicopters set to join Australia’s ranks next year.
This initiative is a key component of the broader AUKUS defence and security pact, a 2021 agreement designed to bolster military cooperation between Australia, the UK, and the USA.
This collaboration marks a significant step in fortifying the defence partnership between the two allies.
Eight soldiers from the Australian Army Aviation Command have been stationed at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk. Their mission? To gain hands-on experience with the state-of-the-art AH-64E, which the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps (3 Regt AAC) introduced into British service in 2022.
Major K, an electrical and mechanical engineering aviation officer with the Australian Army, leads the contingent during her 12-month stint at Wattisham. Emphasises the strategic importance of the collaboration she says:
“With the British already operating the same aircraft we’re getting, they provide a great learning source. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming. We’ve been able to do courses, go through all the documentation, and get our hands on the aircraft.”
Australia has acquired 29 of these advanced helicopters to replace the Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters currently flown by its 1st Aviation Regiment. Major K continued:
“Operating the same helicopter is a huge advantage for the three allies. As allies, we’ll understand the aircraft’s capabilities, interchange personnel and supplies, and pool knowledge to tackle any technical issues.”
Corporal C, an Australian avionics technician halfway through his two-year placement with 3 Regt AAC, has embraced the opportunity to learn and contribute:
“I’ve been treated just like another soldier in the unit. I’ve worked in the hangars at Wattisham and joined field exercises across the UK and overseas. Going to Finland and Estonia was a real highlight—packing up a squadron of aircraft to operate in another country was a first for me, and I learned a lot.
“We’re going to have years of experience working on the AH-64E before we get our own aircraft, and that’s going to set us up for success.
“We’ve brought different perspectives and experiences with us. We do the same job but with some different practices, and we’ve learned from each other.”
Staff Sergeant Paul Holland, who oversees the engineering workforce for 3 Regt AAC’s 662 Squadron, praises the collaboration:
“We’re having a very positive experience with the Australians. They work with the same professionalism as us and bring something a little bit different in their experiences and personalities.
“It’s good to think we’re giving the Australians a head start with the AH-64E, and they’ve helped us refine some of our working practices in return.”
The British Army has invested in 50 AH-64Es, boasting enhanced flying performance, new sensors, and communications systems that significantly improve their battlefield capabilities over the older Apache Mk1.
This collaboration not only strengthens the ties between the two nations but ensures both militaries are equipped and prepared to operate the cutting-edge AH-64E attack helicopters efficiently and effectively.
