The first of the Australian Army's newest attack helicopters have taken to the sky in the country's north.

Two new AH-64E Apache helicopters, acquired as part of a $4.5-billion dollar deal with United States government defence contractors, have arrived in the North Queensland garrison city of Townsville.

Major-General David Hafner of the Australian Army's Aviation Command said the new aircraft would enhance joint fighting ability with a key ally.

"It carries a range of sensors, communication, networking, which really sees an evolution in the capability that we've currently got within the army," he said.

"It's also an aircraft that's operated by a number of our regional partners, so great for interoperability and predominantly with our partner in the United States Army."

The federal go

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