RSAF upgraded Apaches at Ex. Forging Sabre 2023.
SINGAPORE—Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will undergo a Life Extension Program (LEP) that will see the fleet operate beyond 2030.
RSAF chief Maj. Gen. Kelvin Khong announced the decision on the eve of Singapore Airshow without providing specifics.
In written answers to questions he said that the attack helicopter continues to play an important role for the Singapore Armed Forces.
This also suggests that unlike some “D” operators, the helicopters will not undergo the more extensive “E” Apache Guardian retrofit, which includes improved T700 GE-701D engines and transmission, digital connectivity, composite blades, strengthened landing gear and others.
Singapore has operated 20 AH-46D since 1999, including the Peace Vanguard detachment in Marana, Arizona. Sometime in 2017, RSAF commenced the upgrade of the Apaches with Elbit’s Helicopter Integrated Electronic Warfare System (HIEWS) and Satcom domes, similar to that found on Israel’s AH-64DI Saraf. Work on that upgrade is ongoing.
The future of the attack and scout helicopter was recently put into spotlight after the U.S Army cancelled the FARA reconnaissance helicopter project.
Khong made a pointing of highlighting the emergence of “air littorals,” including drones and loitering munitions. He cited examples of how Ukraine employed low-cost first-person-view (FPV) drones with unsophisticated munitions against tanks and personnel “to good effect.”
“One of the key challenges in addressing these threats in the air littorals is the cost asymmetry it imposes if we continue to deal with these threats using traditional means. This emerging threat will require innovative solutions which are both cost- and operationally effective,” he said.
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