AH-64D APACHE Longbow Helicopters for Saudi Arabia

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency(WASHINGTON) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia of AH-64D APACHE Longbow Helicopters as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $598 million.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 12 AH-64D Block II APACHE Longbow Helicopters, 30 T700-GE-701D Engines, 12 Modernized Targeting Acquisition and Designation Systems/Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 4 each AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars and AN/APR-48 Radar Frequency Interferometers, 28 M299 HELLFIRE Longbow Missile Launchers, 12 AN/ALQ-144C(V)3 Infrared Jammers, 12 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 12 AN/ALQ-136(V)5 Radar Jammers, 12 AAR-57(V)3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems, 36 Improved Countermeasures Dispensers, and 12 AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets.

Also included: composite horizontal stabilators, Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems, repair and return, transportation, depot maintenance, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $598 million.

Saudi Arabia will use the AH-64D for its national security, and protecting its borders and oil infrastructure. The aircraft will provide the Saudi military more advanced targeting and engagement capabilities. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations and will provide close air support for the Saudi military ground forces. This sale also will increase the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) APACHE sustainability and interoperability with the U.S. Air Force, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and other coalition air forces. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.


AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:

* Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
* Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation
sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets.
* A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30 mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive,dual-purpose ammunition rounds

AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:

* Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and
several international customers.
* Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands,
Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom.
* Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon
systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems.

Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:

* Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting.
* Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected.
* Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a
minute.
* Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational images
awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission
of and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders.

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.