ADF Apaches helicopters to be based in Townsville

The Australian Army’s new Apache attack helicopters have found their new home, as the government invests in strengthening its defence.

Townsville will be home to the Australian Defence Force’s newest asset, the AH-64E Apache helicopters.

The federal government is investing $692.4 million into the RAAF Townsville base to renovate and build new facilities to accommodate the Apache attack helicopters and their crews from 2025.

The Australian Army has ordered 29 Apaches from Boeing.

It comes as the Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment is set to relocate to Townsville incrementally from Darwin until 2028.

The Australian Army will be receiving 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in 2025. Picture: ADF

Deputy Prime Minister and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said the Apache is the “most advanced attack helicopter operating today”.

“Its introduction into service represents a capability leap for Army,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles says Apache is the ‘most advanced attack helicopter’ in operation. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“In the past year we have taken a number of difficult and important decisions to improve the Army’s aviation capability.

“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.”

The AH-64E Apache will be based in Townsville. Picture: ADF

Defence is replacing the Airbus Helicopters Tiger with the Apaches, with the former to be withdrawn from service in 2028.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the federal government will continue to invest in Darwin, despite the decision to base its Apache attack helicopters in Townsville.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says the government is focused on strengthening its defence capabilities of its northern bases. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“The relocation of the 1st Aviation Regiment to Townsville will help Defence sustain the new Apache helicopters more efficiently and effectively, and will mean more high skilled, secure jobs in Townsville,” Mr Conroy said.

“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.”

“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.”

The AH-64E Apache attack will be serviced by Boeing in Townsville. Picture: ADF

The development of the northern bases is one of the six priority areas for immediate action in response to the Defence Strategic Review.

The government stated that the geographic consolidation of industrial support to ADF helicopters will aim to reduce flying costs.

Boeing Australia will provide maintenance support to the Apache and Chinook helicopters based in Townsville.

While Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia will provide maintenance support to the UH-60M Black Hawk and MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters based at Sydney, Nowra and Southeast Queensland.

Originally published as ADF Apaches helicopters to be based in Townsville