Qatar has received the first of 24 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters, during a ceremony at the manufacturer’s production facility in Mesa.

Qatar Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah attended the ceremony of the first delivery of AH-64E Guardian helicopters to Qatar Emiri Air Force on Friday.

The AH-64E Apache Guardian is the most advanced version of attack helicopter that exists in the world today.

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According to Scramble Magazine, In July 2014, the Qatari government signed an agreement for the acquisition of 24 AH-64Es with associated equipment and training for 70 pilots and 100 ground crewmembers. The $667 million contract was signed in July 2016 and Qatar took an option for the delivery of an additional 24 attack helicopters. This option is not capitalized yet.

The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army. It is also known as Apache Guardian. This gunship comes with new sensors, avionics and has improved night operation capabilities. Furthermore, the AH-64E helicopter can control a couple of UAVs.

This attack helicopter is operated by a crew of 2, including pilot and gunner.

The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces.

Boeing delivered the first U.S. Army Apache AH-64A in January 1984. Since then, the U.S. Army and other nations have received more than 2,200 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. Boeing’s global customers for the Apache include Egypt, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.