Qatar in $3B helicopter, weaponry deal

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WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports that Qatar is seeking to buy AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters and missile.

The deal would be a Foreign Military Sales package arrangement that would include associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. Its value would be an estimated $3 billion.

"The proposed sale of the AH-64D APACHE helicopters will allow the Qatari armed forces to replace its aging airframes with multi-mission attack helicopters, capable of meeting its requirements for close air support, armed reconnaissance and anti-tank warfare missions," the agency said in its notification to Congress.

"The helicopters will provide a long-term defensive and offensive capability to the Qatari peninsula as well as enhance the protection of key oil and gas infrastructure and platforms, which are vital to U.S. and western economic interests."

The package would include: 24 AH-64D helicopters; 56 T700-GE-701D engines; 27 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sights; 27 AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors; 12 AN/APG-78 fire control radars; 12 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers; 28 AN/AAR-57(V)7 common missile warning systems; and other equipment.

Guns, missiles and launchers are included in the deal. Specifically, 30 30mm Automatic Chain Guns; 576 AGM-114R Hellfire II Missiles; 295 FIM-92H Stinger reprogrammable micro-processor Block I Missiles; and more than 4,000 Hydra rockets.