Indian Army to acquire Apache targeting and pilotage sensors

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a foreign military sale contract to provide Apache helicopter targeting systems to the Indian Army.

Under the contract, valued at $107.8 million, Lockheed Martin will provide 23 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor systems, which support pilotage capabilities for Apache helicopter pilots. Work on the contract will be performed in Lockheed Martin's facilities in Orlando, Fla., and Ocala, Fla.

"Our high-performing, reliable sensor system for the Apache helicopter will give Indian Army aviators the ability to acquire, engage and destroy adversary threats from extended ranges," said Lockheed martin program director Mike Taylor. "The capability that our sensor provides results in enhanced aircraft survivability, pilot safety and mission success."

The Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor system, also know as M-TADS/PNVS, is an electro-optical fire control system integrated on an AH-64D/E Apache helicopter. The system provides pilots targeting and pilotage data in an effort to enhance situational awareness. India's purchase of the system makes the coutnry the fifteenth international customer to do so.

Lockheed Martin has produced and delivered over 1,300 units and spares to the U.S. Army and other customers.