The Greek army intends to upgrade its 20 AH-64A Apache attack helicopters to Boeing’s D-model standard, but has declined to increase an order for 12 new-build AH-64D Apache Longbows by a further four airframes, the company says.
With funds for the proposed AH-64A upgrade not included in Athens’ five-year spending plan for 2006-10, Boeing is urging the Greek defence ministry to complete the planned modernisation effort before the US Army halts its support for the Block I Apache system beyond 2014. The planned enhancements will improve the Apache’s ability to operate with Greek land forces personnel, and move towards bringing the expanded fleet up to a common standard, says George Philips, the company’s programme manager for international Apache programmes.
Deliveries of the Greek army’s new AH-64Ds will take place next year under a September 2003 contract, but Athens last week notified Boeing that it would not acquire the four aircraft held as options. Other nations now considering upgrades to their legacy Apache fleets include Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, says Philips.
Athens’ defence budget contains limited funding worth €36 million ($45.7 million) to integrate limited countermeasures equipment with its 20 AH-64As and nine Boeing CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters, and to acquire an Apache simulator.
The Greek army could take delivery of its first of 20 NH Industries NH90 transport helicopters before year-end, said majority shareholder Eurocopter during Defendory. The army has an option to acquire another 14 of the aircraft under its more than €650 million order for the type.
Source: Flight International
