Taiwan showcases AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters

Taiwan received the first six of 30 Boeing AH-64E Apache “Guardian” attack helicopters ordered from the U.S.

Military enthusiasts in Taiwan had reason to rejoice on December 13. The Republic of China Army (ROCA) held an official ceremony at an Army base in Greater Tainan, Southern Taiwan, for the delivery of the first six of 30 Boeing AH-64E Apache “Guardian” attack helicopters ordered from the U.S.

For those who follow military developments on this side of the Taiwan Strait, the introduction of a new combat platform was a welcome change after years of seeing the same weapons systems operate during military exercises, a stark contrast with all the action that has been observed within the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on the Chinese side.

Pilots pose for photos in Tainan

The six AH-64Es, delivered on November 4, were part of a $6.4 billion arms package notified to U.S. Congress in 2008. The second delivery is expected in early 2014, with all 30 set to enter service in the Army by the end of 2014. The Apache helicopters accounted for $2.53 billion of the total arms package (the notification also included 1,000 AGM-114L Hellfire missiles and 66 M299 Hellfire Longbow missile launchers).

Taiwan, which had initially ordered the AH-64D Block III under the Tian Ying, or “Sky Eagle” program, was the first international client for the Guardian model, which attained initial operating capability (IOC) in the U.S. Army in November 2013.

My article, published today in The Diplomat, continues here. (Photos by the author)