US approves sale of 6 Apache attack helicopters worth 930 million dollars to India

Washington: In a major boost to Indian defence capabilities, the US on Wednesday agreed to sell six Apache helicopters for an estimated cost of 930 million dollars.Defence Security Cooperation Agency in a statement said, ''The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of items in support of a proposed direct commercial sale of six (6) AH-64E Apache helicopters for an estimated cost of $930 million.''

Apart from helicopters, the State Department also gave approval for the sale of fourteen T700-GE-701D engines; four AN and APG-78 fire control radars; four radar electronic units Block III; four AN/APR-48B modernized radar frequency interferometers; 180 AGM-114L-3 hellfire longbow missiles; 90 AGM-114R-3 hellfire II missiles; 200 stinger block I-92H missiles; seven modernized target acquisition designation sight and pilot night vision sensors (MTADS-PNVS); and 14 embedded GPS inertial navigation systems (EGI), it added.

Also included are rockets, training and dummy missiles, 30 mm cannons and ammunition, transponders, simulators, communication equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, support equipment, repair and return support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia, it said.

The Apache is manufactured by Boeing - a company that is now in partnership with TATA to manufacture the helicopters in India.(UNI)