US-India $930 million deal for 6 Apache copters in final stage
Passed to the US Congress, it is expected to give its approval if no US lawmaker objects to the contract
The Unites States is all set to sell Indian military six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for $930 million. Pic for representational purpose only.
The deal to sell the Indian military six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for $930 million has been approved by the United States government, and sent to the Congress for a final nod, the US State Department said.
If no lawmaker in the Congress objects to it, the contract is expected to go ahead.
Although Boeing and Tata have begun to produce Apache fuselages in India, but this deal stands for a direct sale of finished products from US manufacturers, the AFP said.
The contract also includes night vision sensors, GPS guidance and hundreds of Hellfire anti-armor and Stinger air-to-air missiles.
"This support for the AH-64E will provide an increase in India's defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernize its armed forces," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said, in a statement.
"India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region."
