Townsville to be base of ADF Apaches from 2025

The Army’s new Apache helicopters and the 1st Aviation Regiment are coming to Townsville, bringing massive upgrades and skilled jobs. See when.

Leading Seaman Aviation Support Alyssa Clark marshalls a US Army AH-64E Apache on the deck of HMAS Canberra while the ship is alongside at Fleet Base East in Sydney. Picture: POIS Helen Frank

The Australian Defence Minister has revealed the Army’s new Apache helicopters will be based in Townsville from 2025.

The Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment, which will fly the attack helicopters, is incrementally relocating to Townsville from Darwin.

The federal government is investing $692.4m in Townsville to support the new AH-64E Apache helicopters; RAAF Townsville will be renovated and new facilities will be built for the helicopters and their crews.

Defence is replacing the Airbus Helicopters Tiger with the Apaches; the former will be withdrawn from service in 2028.

Australian 1st Aviation Regiment, seen here flying the Airbus Helicopters Tiger, is incrementally moving to Townsville. Picture: Pete Gammie

In Townsville, Boeing Australia will provide maintenance support to the Apache and Chinook helicopters.

The Australian Army has ordered 29 Apaches from Boeing, which are due to be delivered in 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government has made decisions to improve the Amry’s aviation capability that were “difficult and important”.

“Our significant investment in renovated and new facilities at RAAF Townsville will ensure the ADF members and civilians working with Apache have the infrastructure they need to support these important capabilities,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Defence, Richard Marles with a 66mm M72 rocket launcher at the Lavarack Barracks. Picture: Evan Morgan

The Army getting Apaches was a “capability leap”, as the machine was “the most advanced attack helicopter operating today”, Mr Marles said.

The northern Australian military bases have become a key focus for the ADF and the Deputy Prime Minister has previously said “Townsville is front and centre in terms of how the government views the future of the defence force in this country”.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said 1st Aviation Regiment’s relocation to Townsville meant more high skilled, secure jobs in the city.

“The hubs created as a result of consolidating and relocating our helicopter capabilities will also generate other opportunities for international partners to operate and be supported in Australia,” Mr Conroy said.

“Defence-related investment in Darwin will grow over the coming years as new capabilities are moved to the north. This will include investment in major capital facilities and a net workforce growth in the Top End.”

Originally published as Townsville to be base of ADF Apaches from 2025