Qatar Emiri Air Force has received the first of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, during a ceremony at the Boeing’s manufacturer production facility in Mesa, Arizona. In July 2014, the Qatari government signed an agreement for the acquisition of 24 AH-64Es with associated equipment and training for 70 pilots and 100 ground crewmembers. The ceremony was attended by Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. The new helicopters will allow the Qatari Armed Forces (QAF) to replace its aging airframes (SA342 Gazelle scout helicopter) with multi-mission attack helicopters. The U.S. State Department had approved the sale of 24 AH-64D Apache Block III (now called AH-64E Apache Guardian) Longbow attack helicopters on July 12, 2012 through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route.
The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also known as Apache Guardian. This gunship comes with new sensors, avionics and has improved night operation capabilities. Furthermore, the AH-64E helicopter can control a couple of UAVs. The AH-64Es, also known as Apaches, are helicopters that typically carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. They have four blades and are rotary-winged. The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces.
