DTN News: Royal Netherlands Air Force Upgrading 29 (28) Boeing AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters

DTN News: Royal Netherlands Air Force Upgrading 29 (28) Boeing AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopters *Source: DTN News / Defense Security Cooperation Agency (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 9, 2009: On August 6, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of The Netherlands of Apache helicopter modification kits and associated equipment, training, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $181 million. The AH-64D Longbow Apache is a remanufactured and upgraded version of the AH-64A Apache attack helicopter. The primary modifications to the Apache are the addition of a millimeter-wave Fire Control Radar (FCR) target acquisition system, the fire-and-forget Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missile, updated T700-GE-701C engines, and a fully-integrated cockpit. In addition, the aircraft receives improved survivability, communications, and navigation capabilities. Most existing capabilities of the AH-64A Apache are retained. Transportability requirements were initially identified in the ORD and further defined in the AH-64D System Specification. Both configurations of the AH-64D, including any removed items and appropriate PGSE, shall be capable of being transported aboard C-141B, C-5A, or C-17 aircraft. The aircraft shall also be capable of being transported and hangar stored below decks in the landing platform helicopter (LPH) type carrier, Fast SeaLift ships, Roll-on/Roll-off, LASH, SEABEE ships, and Military Sealift Command (MSC) dry cargo ships. The Government of The Netherlands has requested a possible sale of modification kits to upgrade its 29 AH-64D APACHE Block I Helicopters to Block II configuration, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, engineering change proposals, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by improving the military capabilities of The Netherlands and enhancing standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. The Netherlands is a NATO ally and an active U.S. partner in Overseas Contingency Operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Netherlands needs these upgrades to enhance its AH-64 fleet capabilities. Having the same aircraft configuration as the U.S. would greatly contribute to its military capability, making it a more capable and sustainable coalition force to support Overseas Contingency Operations. The Netherlands has the ability to use and maintain these helicopters as evidenced by their operating previous AH-64 configurations. The Netherlands, which already has the AH-64 APACHE in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing and utilizing these enhanced helicopters into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Boeing Corporation of Mesa, Arizona. There are offset agreements proposed in connection with this sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require four contractor representatives in The Netherlands to conducting training for a period of two weeks. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law. It does not mean that the sale has been concluded.