Townsville to be Home of Apache Helicopters
1 July 23
The Albanese Government is investing nearly $700 million in Townsville to support the new AH-64E Apache helicopters, where they will be based from 2025.
This investment is another step in improving the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate from Australia’s northern bases, one of the six priority areas for immediate action identified by the Government in response to the Defence Strategic Review.
RAAF Townsville will undergo renovations and new facilities will be constructed to accommodate the Apache attack helicopters and their crews.
Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment will relocate to Townsville incrementally as it continues to operate the ARH Tiger from Darwin until its planned withdrawal from service in 2028.
The geographic consolidation of industrial support to ADF helicopters will generate greater operational reliability and reduce sustainment and flying costs.
In Townsville, Boeing Australia will provide maintenance support to the Apache and Chinook helicopters. In Sydney, Nowra and Southeast Queensland, Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia will provide maintenance support to the UH-60M Black Hawk and MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters.
Source: Defence Press Release