Army tests out its new 'battle-winning' Apache attack helicopter over the Highlands

Apache helicopters from 3 Army Air Corps have been exercising in Scotland on the latest model of the aircraft.

663 Squadron – based at Wattisham Air Station in Suffolk – is testing out the new AH-64E over the rugged landscape of the Highlands.

The soldiers have been based at Balado Airfield near Kinross and flying sorties over the north of Scotland as part of Exercise Wojtek Highlander.

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Pilot Staff Sergeant Matt said: "It's brilliant, and flying up here, it's a little bit of a change from Suffolk which is as flat as a billiard table, but up here is amazing – you get to see Ben Nevis, you get to see all the valleys.

"And we've had brilliant weather," he added.

The new Apache AH-64E has recently come into service with the British Army.

The British Army says: "The Boeing-built AH-64E features new drivetrain and rotor blades to boost flying performance; improved sights and sensors; communications systems to share data with other helicopters, uncrewed aircraft systems and ground forces; and embedded maintenance diagnostic systems to increase aircraft availability."

This exercise aims to ensure the pilots can operate the new model effectively over challenging terrain.

Officer Commanding of 66 Squadron Major Simon Beattie called the aircraft a "battle-winning tool".

"We can see further, shoot further, there's a huge capability for the British Army," he added.

Maj Beattie continued to give the aircraft praise: "It's been flying for about three or four years with the US Army and now with us.

"Brilliant aircraft – much improvement in terms of weapons capabilities, sights and sensors, and the digital communications on the aircraft."

The Apache helicopter has been in service with the British Army since 2005 and has proved its worth – most notably in the war in Afghanistan.

SSgt Matt, who served in the Parachute Regiment during the war, added: "Previously – as a section commander in a rifle company in Afghanistan, I used to see the Apache flying overhead.

"They're almost like the guardian angel up at 2,000 feet – numerous times they got me out of trouble when I needed them."

Five Apache helicopters and around 120 personnel are living and working on Balado Airfield during the exercise.

The exercise has many support crew on the ground, their vital work ensuring these aircraft can get into the air and operate.

Arming Loading Point Commander Lance Corporal Toby Tibbetts said: "We cover any aspect of the ground crew operations.

"We're massively involved in the arming, loading up with munitions and the refuelling, so, without us, the Apache can get up in the air with a nice camera on it but, without munitions and fuel on board, it can't really strike or do anything."