The US has approved the sale of eight AH-64E APACHE helicopters and related equipment to Kuwait at an estimated cost of US$4Bn. The State Department has made a determination approving the possible Foreign Military Sale to Kuwait and the Defense Security Cooperation Agency has delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
The government of Kuwait had requested to buy eight AH-64E APACHE helicopters and remanufacture 16 of their AH-64D APACHE LONGBOW examples alongside 22 T700-GE 701D engines and 36 remanufactured T700-GE 701D engines in addition to 27 AN/AAR-57 Counter Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) and other related equipment.
According to a State Department spokesperson, the proposed sale will supplement and improve Kuwait’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing Kuwait’s close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank warfare mission capabilities.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the spokesperson said.
The principal contractors associated with this sale will be Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and Raytheon Corporation. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The AH-64E is an advanced multi-mission helicopter with the latest technology insertions, maintaining its standing as the world’s best attack helicopter. According to Boeing, it is the only available combat helicopter with a spectrum of capabilities for virtually any mission requirement, including greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
J C Menon
