Indonesia seeks Apache helicopter buy

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Indonesia is seeking to obtain eight AH-64D Apache Block III Longbow attack helicopters through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The sale, if approved by Congress, would be a $1.42 billion package deal that includes associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency specifically requested -- in addition to the helicopters -- are: 19 T-700-GE-701D engines; nine Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors; four AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars with radar electronics units; four AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 10 AAR- 57(V) 3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems; 10 AN/AVR-2B laser detecting sets; and 10 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets.

Integrated helmet and display sight systems, M299A1 Hellfire missile launchers and 140 Hellfire AGM-114R3 missiles are included as well as other equipment, guns and contractor support.

"The proposed sale provides the government of Indonesia with assets vital to protect and deter both external and other potential threats," the agency said. "Indonesia will use these Apache helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca."

The prime contractors would be Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric and Longbow Limited Liability Corp.