The United Kingdom on July 11 announced a $2.3 billion deal to buy 50 AH-64E Apache helicopters, according to a Ministry of Defense statement.
The Apaches, developed by Boeing [BA], are being procured in a foreign military sale (FMS). The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced in August 2015 that the State Department approved the potential sale, which also includes 110 General Electric [GE] T-700-GE-701D engines. This will be the first time GE has sold an off-the-shelf military engine to the U.K. MoD, according to a company statement. The August 2015 approved sale was valued at roughly $3 billion.
The first AH-64Es destined for the U.K. are due off their United States production line in early 2020 and will begin entering service with the British Army in 2022. The AH-64E will carry more weapons while being more fuel efficient than its predecessor, the Apache AH Mk 1 version of the AH-64D
Apache is built under license by Leonardo, formerly known as Finmeccanica. This aircraft will be retired from service in 2023-24. The MoD said Leonardo will continue to support the existing Apache fleet.
The deal includes an initial support contract for maintenance of the new helicopters, along with spare parts and training solutions. Systems from the current Apache fleet, such as the Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation System and the Longbow fire control radar, will be reused and incorporated into the new helicopters when possible.
The current British Apaches are powered by RTM322 engines, originally a joint development between Safran Helicopter Engines and Rolls-Royce. Safran acquired the Rolls-Royce share of the business in 2013.
The U.K. also announced at the Farnborough International Airshow outside London a deal with Boeing to jointly invest in, develop and operate a base for nine P-8 multi-mission aircraft for the Royal Air Force.