US awards Boeing $1.4 billion to support foreign AH-64 Apache helicopter fleets
The contracted fleets: Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan and UAE
The U.S. Army awarded Boeing a $1,461,384,102 contract for support services for foreign military fleets of the Apache AH-64 D/E.
The foreign sales Apaches covered by the contract include those of Indonesia, Israel, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates, the Department of Defense said in a release on Thursday, December 19.
Work locations will be determined by order and is expected to be complete by the end of 2024.
AH-64E Apache
Boeing describes the AH-64 Apache as “the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.”
It has a wingspan of 17.15 feet (5.2m) and can climb at more than 2,000 feet per minute. It features laser, infrared and other systems to locate, track and attack targets. It is capable of classifying up to 128 targets in less than a minute.
The Apache can carry a range of weapons including a 30mm automatic cannon, precision Hellfire missiles and 70mm rockets.
The AH-64E variant was designated the Guardian and features an upgraded Longbow fire control radar, more powerful engines, and advanced avionics and night-vision capabilities.
The first Guardians were delivered in 2011 and full-rate production began in 2012.
Its precedessor, the AH-64D Apache Longbow, was in service with the U.S. Army and other defense forces since the 1990s.
