Townsville: New Home to $700M Apache Helicopters
By The Queenslander staff
The Albanese Government has announced a strategic investment of nearly $700 million to bolster Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations from the nation’s northern bases. This substantial investment supports the AH-64E Apache helicopters which will be stationed in Townsville from 2025.
The RAAF base in Townsville is set for renovations and new constructions to accommodate the cutting-edge Apache attack helicopters and their crew. The Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment will transition from Darwin to Townsville in stages, maintaining operations with the ARH Tiger until its retirement in 2028.
This geographic centralisation of ADF helicopter support is expected to enhance operational reliability and cost efficiency. Maintenance support for the Apache and Chinook helicopters will be provided by Boeing Australia in Townsville, while Lockheed Martin Australia and Sikorsky Australia will handle the UH-60M Black Hawk and MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters in Sydney, Nowra, and Southeast Queensland.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP hailed the Apache’s introduction as a “capability leap for the Army,” while Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy MP highlighted the creation of high-skilled jobs in Townsville as a result of this initiative. Conroy also signalled increased defence-related investment in Darwin in the coming years, with an expected workforce growth in the Top End.
