REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The U.S. Army is moving forward with plans to award a sole-source contract to Boeing for the remanufacture of up to 12 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters as part of its continued effort to modernize the Army's primary heavy attack and reconnaissance aircraft while addressing aging components across the fleet.
The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, published a notice on Aug. 4, 2026, announcing its intent to negotiate the contract directly with Boeing rather than open it to competitive bidding. Interested parties have until Aug. 19, 2026, to submit capability statements if they wish to challenge the proposed acquisition approach.
The planned work will be carried out as a 53-month effort under an existing Boeing contract. In addition to the remanufacture of up to 12 AH-64E helicopters, the program includes work to manage and correct obsolescence in critical electronic components that have become outdated or difficult to obtain.
Boeing Remains the Only Practical Source
According to the Army, Boeing is the sole designer, developer, manufacturer, and systems integrator of the AH-64 Apache helicopter. The Army does not own a complete production-level technical data package, including the engineering drawings and manufacturing instructions required to build the aircraft. It also does not hold the rights to Boeing's proprietary technical data developed over decades of Apache production.
Because of these legal and technical limitations, the Army stated that no other company can realistically manufacture a fully functional Apache helicopter, making Boeing the only practical source for the work.
Remanufacturing Continues Long-Term Modernization Strategy
Rather than producing entirely new helicopters, the Army continues to rely on remanufacturing existing aircraft as its preferred modernization approach for the Apache fleet.
The same process was previously used to convert older AH-64A helicopters into the AH-64D configuration. More recently, Boeing's facility in Mesa, Arizona, has remanufactured hundreds of AH-64D helicopters into the current AH-64E standard now operated by the U.S. Army and several allied nations.
The latest effort will also focus on replacing obsolete electronic components. As older technologies leave production, engineers must redesign and requalify replacement parts to maintain aircraft availability and long-term fleet support.
AH-64E Provides Expanded Operational Capabilities
The AH-64E is the U.S. Army's primary heavy attack and reconnaissance helicopter, designed to engage ground targets and provide combat support for ground forces.
The aircraft is equipped with a 30-millimeter cannon, 2.75-inch rockets, laser-guided and radar-guided Hellfire missiles, and the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM).
Its digital network architecture enables crews to control unmanned aerial vehicles from the cockpit while sharing real-time intelligence and targeting information with other joint forces, improving battlefield coordination.
Boeing is also continuing efforts to expand the helicopter's capabilities. Current integration work includes launched effects, which are small drones deployed directly from the aircraft, directed-energy weapons, and the Lockheed Martin-Rafael Spike NLOS (Non-Line Of Sight) long-range missile.
Recent live-fire testing has demonstrated the AH-64E's ability to employ the Spike NLOS missile against targets at distances of up to 32 kilometers (20 miles), extending the aircraft's engagement range beyond that of Hellfire-equipped configurations.
International Orders Continue to Support Production
Demand for the AH-64E remains strong among U.S. allies, helping sustain Boeing's production and remanufacturing lines beyond domestic Army requirements.
The United Kingdom completed delivery of its fleet of 50 remanufactured AH-64E helicopters earlier this year.
Other international customers are also progressing with deliveries. Australia is acquiring 29 AH-64E helicopters, with deliveries underway and six aircraft already in the country as of mid-2026. India's Army completed the induction of six AH-64E helicopters by late 2025, in addition to the 22 Apache helicopters already operated by the Indian Air Force. Morocco has received 12 of its 24 ordered AH-64E helicopters.
Meanwhile, Poland has finalized the purchase of 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
Supporting Fleet Readiness
Work under the planned Army program is expected to take place primarily at Boeing's Mesa, Arizona, facility, consistent with previous Apache remanufacture programs managed by Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal.
The proposed contract reflects the U.S. Army's continued investment in sustaining the AH-64E fleet through aircraft remanufacture and electronic component modernization while maintaining the industrial capability that supports both U.S. military requirements and Apache operators around the world.
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