Page 10 - ADT NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2022 Online Magazine

that on the one hand carry out reconnaissance
missions, and on the other are capable of per-
forming combat missions as well. This marks a
major stage in the process of the Polish Armed
Forces’ modernization equipping them with
modern equipment. We are starting the pro-
cess of equipping military units with Bayraktars.
We ordered these drones long before Russia
invaded Ukraine. At that time, we were told
that this was a weapon that we would never
benefit from. What has happened in Ukraine
shows that those claims were wrong and that
it is a highly effective weapon, which in the
hands of the Ukrainians, allows them to effec-
tively defend their territory,” said Deputy Prime
Minister Mariusz Błaszczak at a meeting with
the Polish Armed Forces’ soldiers in Mirosławiec.
The contract for MALE Bayraktar TB2 unmanned
aerial systems (UAV) sets to the Polish Armed
Forces was signed in May 2021. The first batch
of the equipment delivered to Poland included,
six unmanned aerial vehicles with three mobile
control stations, system ground support ele- © Boeing
ments, diagnostic devices, and spare parts.

final E-model Apache is slated to be delivered to the Netherlands
BOEING GAINS ORDERS in 2025. The Dutch have operated D-model Apaches since 1998
and the updated attack helicopter will provide the RNLAF with
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) greater combat power and situational awareness. The AH-64E v6
awarded Boeing a contract to deliver two addi- is the most modern configuration of the Apache attack helicopter

tional KC-46A Pegasus tankers in November, and Boeing received a contract in 2019 to remanufacture 28 RNLAF
bringing the total on contract for Japan to AH-64 D-model Apaches to the advanced AH-64E v6. “The Apache
six. The first KC-46A tanker was delivered to is the most advanced and proven attack helicopter, and demand
Japan in October 2021, followed by a second for it continues to increase worldwide,” said Kathleen Jolivette,
in February this year. “The unmatched versatility vice president of Attack Helicopter Programmes and Senior Mesa
and multi-mission capabilities of the KC-46A Site Executive at Boeing. “By upgrading from the D-model to the
tanker further support JASDF’s air mobility mis- E-model Apache, the Royal Netherlands Air Force will gain a signifi-
sion,” said James Burgess, vice president and cant increase in attack power, versatility and situational awareness
KC-46 programme manager. “The growing for decades to come.” There are presently more than 665 AH-64E
global KC-46A fleet increases the interopera- attack helicopters in service worldwide.
bility advantages for our customers, ensuring
mission readiness as well as value for their The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has opted for eight AH-6 light attack
investment.” The contract was awarded by reconnaissance helicopters earlier in the year. The USD 103.7 million
the U.S. Air Force through the Foreign Military contract was inked by Thailand with the U.S. Department of Defense
Sales process and the JASDF also operates four as part of a foreign military sale. The aircraft will be produced in
earlier generation Boeing-built KC-767 aircraft. Mesa, Arizona, with deliveries planned through 2024. Boeing’s AH-6
Boeing’s Japanese partners also produce 16 light attack reconnaissance helicopter offers an unmatched pow-
percent of the KC-46A airframe structure. er-to-weight ratio and is fitted with extensive, integrated digital
communications suite and will be a force-multiplier for the Royal Thai
Boeing has delivered 67 KC-46A tankers, includ- Army. The deal paved the way for the Royal Thai Army to replace
ing 65 to the U.S. Air Force and two to Japan. its fleet of aging AH-1F Cobras as part of the Thailand’s defence
The KC-46A is built on the proven 767 airframe modernization efforts. Thailand is Boeing’s second international
of which more than 1,200 have been delivered. customer for the AH-6.
More KC-46A aircraft are operational globally
than any tanker except the Boeing-built KC-135. THAILAND TO GET AT-6TH IN 2023.
The first of the Royal Thai Air Force’s (RTAF) eight Beechcraft AT-6
Boeing delivered the first AH-64E (Echo) Version Wolverine light attack aircraft are slated for delivery in late 2023.
6, or v6, Apache helicopter featuring improved The aircraft will be deployed with the RTAF’s 41st Wing light attack
performance, sensors and software to the Royal operations at Chiang Mai Air Base. Production of these aircraft have
Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) in October. The
10 | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/ADT