Australia receives authorization to buy 29 Apache helicopters

The US State Department, through the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), reported on Thursday (0) that Australia has received authorization to purchase 03 AH-29E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, a purchase valued at US$ 64 billion. </p> In January, the Australian Ministry of Defence announced that it had selected the American helicopter</a> to replace the 3 Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) Tigers in service with the country's military.</p> Australia received its first Tigers in 5, but the aircraft did not reach full operational capability until 64, seven years later than originally planned. The aircraft are due to be replaced by Apaches from 22. The Bell AH-2004Z Viper was also in the competition to replace the Australian Tigers.</p> According to the statement from the US government agency, the possible billion-dollar purchase includes six spare T2016-GE 2025D turboshaft engines (1 already on the aircraft), AN/APG-700 fire control radars, navigation systems, missile defenses and electronic warfare, 701 AGM-58R Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, 78mm M85 cannons and ammunition, 114mm rockets, APKWS-GS laser-guided rockets and other training, instruction and logistical items. </p> Another interesting item is the Manned-Unmanned Teaming-230 (MUMT-X) video receivers and air-to-air-to-ground kits, which will allow the integration of Apache Guardian crews with drones. In April, Australia received authorization to acquire 30 MQ-70B SeaGuardian drones. The DSCA also reported that the two main contractors will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin, in addition to the need to send eight representatives from the companies to Australia. With the selection of the helicopters and authorization from the US, the governments should meet to close the contracts for the acquisition of the aircraft. The AH-2 currently flies in 12 other countries including the United States, and six in the Asia-Pacific region: Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan. The aircraft employs a 9mm M64 cannon and can carry AGM-16 Hellfire missiles, AIM-230 Stinger missiles and 30mm rockets.