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Britain's MOD inks 3 bln USD deal for Apache helicopters

Xinhua, July 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Britain's Ministry of Defense Monday announced a deal worth almost three billion U.S. dollars to secure 50 of the latest generation Apache attack helicopters for the British Army.

The MOD said the new fleet of Apaches are much more capable than their predecessors.

Flown by Army Air Corps pilots from the Joint Helicopter Command, the helicopters will continue to give the British Army the edge over any future adversaries, said the MOD.

The AH 64E model of the helicopter can also carry more weapons while being more fuel efficient, allowing it to operate in more demanding conditions for longer.

The new Apache AH-64E helicopters, built by Boeing and already in service with the U.S. Army, are being purchased via a Foreign Military Sale with the United States Government.

Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said Monday: "It is part of our plan for more ships, more aircraft, more troops available at readiness, better equipment for special forces, more being spent on cyber. That plan, backed by a rising defense budget will enable us to deal with the increased threats to our country."

Although being built in the U.S., the new Apaches will also bring benefits to Britain, with companies in Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Bedfordshire, Cheshire and Gwent awarded subcontracts by Boeing that collectively represent around five percent of the global Apache supply chain.

The MOD said it is envisaged that the future arrangements will support around 350 jobs in Britain.

Leonardo Helicopters (formerly AgustaWestland) will continue to lead the arrangements to support existing military Apache helicopters until they are retired from service in 2023/24.

Defense Secretary Fallon added: "In the longer term, I want these new Apaches to be maintained in the UK, and for UK companies to do most of the work. Buying the AH-64E 'off the shelf' allows the MOD to take advantage of the US Government's larger production program in Mesa, Arizona, with the UK benefiting from economies of scale."

The first British helicopters are due off the U.S. production line in early 2020 and will begin entering service with the British Army in 2022. Endit