APACHE BASING DECISION
BACKGROUND
The British Army Apache helicopters (AH64-D) are currently located in Middle Wallop, Hampshire and Wattisham Flying Station, Suffolk. Recent studies have considered combining all Apache units onto one single site.
On the 17 June 2020 the Army Executive Committee (ExCo) discussed the long-term basing solution for all British Army Attack Apache Helicopter units.
ExCo decided to keep the current laydown assumptions as the permanent solution.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Where are the British Army's AH64-D currently located?
There are currently 34 AH64-D aircraft. Of these 20 aircraft are forward-based at
Wattisham with 3 Regt and 4 Regt AAC, 5 aircraft are in depth maintenance at Wattisham and there are 9 aircraft in 7(Trg) Regt AAC based at Middle Wallop. Numbers fluctuate continuously due to airframe conversion.
What is the history behind the current basing solution?
The current Basing Solution was selected by the Apache Capability Sustainment
Programme (CSP) Board in December 2017. It was endorsed by ExCo in July 2019 and would be subject to a future review.
Why is it so important to announce a decision now?
This decision provides clarity for JHC personnel who have endured several years of
uncertainty over future basing with the associated impact on morale and retention.
Moreover, this decision will enable the planning and implementation of required
infrastructure improvements to take place.
What was the decision-making process in deciding what the future basing solution was?
Detailed analysis was conducted which led to ExCo being presented with four courses of
action (CoA). After careful consideration and evaluation of all the options it was decided that this solution was preferred due to the minimal disruption to service personnel and their families. In addition, this COA ensures that there is no additional risk to the delivery and stabilisation of the AH CSP programme. Maintaining the two bases also ensures that should requirements change all basing options are still available.
If both bases are now remaining open will we see any improvements to the existing infrastructure?
ExCo have recommended that there should be a robust investment plan to improve the
condition of the estate at both Middle Wallop and Wattisham having acknowledged that this is a real concern for those who live and work on both bases.
