They didnt buy either, Apache was too expensive and Mi-28 i believe did not have the operating capablities they were seeking… BTW I am there now and will ask around a bit more as to the exact story. Will take a week or so.
The purpose of the trials was not to buy a chopper at the time, but to gather information as to how much of local logistics can be used, the costs of special Swedish requirements (all weather capability, de-icing feature, manuals etc) the prospects of licenses, the possibility to modify the craft accordingly. For instance the Mi-28 was only interesting if it could be mounted with French avionics.
The cost calculations surrounded 2 squadrons of 40 crafts in total, the break-even cost when logistics/support systems no longer took > 50% of the budget was at 20 individuals (choppers)
The aim with this was to bring info to a procurement for a introduction date 2012 but this is now delayed and the requirement likely less than 20 units.
After supporting winter tests of the Westland WAH-64 in Sweden I would say this version is a front runner, followed by Rooivalk due to offset/political reasons involving SAAB. WAH-64 because of the UK assembly line, a close relationship in the EU battle groups and industry, new engine, and de-icing system.
The trials with the American AH-64’s were impressive as Sweden already use the Hellfire missile on a man-portable tripod system and could use the AH-64 as designator and fire missiles from land positions.
But the conclusion at the time was this, No chopper on the market at the time of the trials (’95) suited Swedish requirements.
Here’s photos from 95
a Scania refuel truck providing liquid lunch to two thirsty Americans
And here’s from the WAH-64 tests in 2003. (done for the UK)
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