The £2bn British Apache helicopters seen crossing Europe in major NATO exercise

Multi-billion-pound Apache helicopters were seen parading across Europe this week as they participated in a major NATO exercise.

The helicopters participated in Steadfast Defender, the organisation’s largest exercise since the Cold War today in a long flight over several countries.

The Apache AH-64E units spearheaded the operation alongside Wildcat helicopters as they travelled west from Poland, advancing over Germany and the Netherlands on the way back to England.

The new assault craft were praised by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as tens of thousands of soldiers joined the initiative.

They are part of a massive programme in which the UK has invested multiple billions.

The MoD said two Apache helicopters were deployed with the approximately 20,000 British troops and an additional 90,000 from other NATO members as the exercise began.

The department said in a statement that the vehicles “provided cover” as the exercise carried out a “simulated strike against air defences”.

The statement read: “Two of the @BritishArmy’s new AH-64E attack helicopter provided cover for soldiers during a ground assault as part of major @NATO exercise, Steadfast Defender.

“The cutting-edge Apache gunships showcased their abilities by hovering low in a simulated strike against air defences.”

The British Army has 50 Apache AH-64Es – which are built by Boeing – in its forces, deployed with the three Regiment Army Air Corps.

They began operating in 2022, with the armed forces utilising top-notch flying performance, new sensors and communications systems.

Their capabilities have vastly improved upon the Apache Mk1, which was the army’s former mainstay helicopter unit.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the total cost of the Apache programme totals nearly £2billion.

Responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons on May 18, James Cartlidge, the MoD Minister of State, said the initial procurement of the helicopters from the US cost £1.793billion.

The sum was paid “against an approval of £1.999billion”, with training and support for the helicopters provided by Boeing costing £341,199,072.50.