British Army aviators have been training Australian soldiers in the use of a new Apache helicopter.

Eight soldiers from the Australian Army Aviation Command have been at Wattisham Flying Station, in Suffolk, learning about the AH-64E – the latest version of the attack helicopter – before it enters Australian service next year.

It is part of growing links between the British and Australian militaries following the signing of the AUKUS defence and security agreement in September 2021, which includes the USA.

Staff Sgt Paul Holland said it had been a “very positive experience”.

The Boeing-built Apache AH-64E has new sensors and communications systems that improve its ability to find and strike the enemy on the battlefield.

The Australian personnel – including engineering officers, aircraft and avionics technicians and ground crew – have been working with 3 Regiment Army Air Corps (3 Regt AAC), which introduced the AH-64E into British army service in 2022.

Prince Harry flew Apaches from Wattisham during tours in the Army.

One Australian soldier, who for security reasons is known as Corporal C, said working at Wattisham, and going on exercises to Finland and Estonia, was something he had “learnt a lot from”.

“Between all of us who’ve come over to Wattisham, we’re going to have years of experience of working on the AH-64E before we get our own aircraft, and that’s going to set us up for success,” he said.

Cpl C said that, in return for the experience on the AH-64E helicopters, the Australian troops had “provided a free consultancy service for the Brits”.

Staff Sgt Holland, who manages the engineering workforce for 3 Regt AAC’s 662 Squadron, said it had been a “very positive experience”.

“It’s good to think that we’re giving the Australians a head start with the AH-64E, and they’ve helped us to rethink and refine some of our working practices in return.”