Dubai: Boeing has announced the sale of 30 Apache Longbow helicopters to the UAE military in a deal brokered by the US Army.
Boeing's Integrated Defence Systems unit last week revealed details of a $1.15 billion contract for the remanufacture of 96 AH-64D Apache Longbow multi-role attack helicopters for the US Army and 30 AH-64Ds for the UAE.
A UAE military spokesman confirmed the deal.
Under a foreign military sales agreement, the UAE is upgrading its fleet of AH-64A Apache helicopters to the next-generation configuration.
"An attitude of teamwork means cost savings for both the US Army and the UAE, ensuring that the soldiers who fly and maintain the aircraft have the capabilities to successfully complete their vital missions," said David Almond, Boeing programme manager for the Apache.
With a maximum cruising speed of 284 kilometres per hour, the Apache Longbow helicopter features laser-guided Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets and a 30mm automatic cannon.
By Ivan Gale
© Gulf News 2007
