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The Australian government has requested to buy more than US$300 million in AH-64E Apache attack helicopter sustainment support services in a possible US foreign military sale.
The US Congress was notified of the possible sale by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 23 August.
The possible sale, approved by the US State Department, includes AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, technical data and publications, personnel training and other related elements of logistics, and program support.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies,” a statement from the DSCA read.
“The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the Western Pacific.
“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defence capability.
“The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the necessary sustainment support to successfully employ its AH-64E Apache helicopters. It will also improve Australia’s capability to support coalition operations and contribute to mutual security goals in the region. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Boeing and Lockheed Martin will be the principal contractors and implementation of the proposed sale is expected to require the assignment of up to four US government and contractor representatives to Australia for a duration of up to five years to support sustainment of the AH-64E Apache.
New AH-64E Apache helicopters are expected to be introduced into service with the Australian Army in 2025.
