Boeing Co, a leading multinational aerospace and defence company, has been granted a $393m contract modification to supply and deliver Apache AH-64E aircraft, along with comprehensive support services and equipment to ensure the readiness of the helicopters throughout their operational lifespan.
The contract will bolster defence capabilities, with the Apache helicopters, benefiting the US Army and two foreign allies, Egypt and Kuwait. Work on the project is set to be carried out in Mesa, Arizona, which serves as Boeing's hub for Apache helicopter production and related activities and is expected to be completed by 31 December, 2027.
According to GlobalData's report on "Kuwait's Defence Market 2022-2027" report, in 2020, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of Kuwait of AH-64E Apache Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $4bn.
The Apache AH-64E is the latest variant of the Apache attack helicopter, known for its agility, versatility, and combat. This platform will equip the US Army and its international partners with a tool to address modern security challenges effectively.
In 2020, the US took the delivery of the 500th Boeing AH-64E Apache Helicopter to be delivered to the US Army and defence forces around the world.
The deployment of Apache AH-64E helicopters is expected to enhance the US Army's ability to conduct various missions, including reconnaissance, air-to-ground attacks, close air support, and anti-tank warfare. For Egypt and Kuwait, acquiring these helicopters signifies modernising their armed forces and strengthening national security.
With 33.9% of the Middle Eastern rotorcraft market, Boeing Co is projected to be the second-largest shareholder in the region. The company is expected to garner business worth $6bn over the forecast period owing to its contracts for the procurement of AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook, according to GlobalData's "The Global Military Rotorcraft Market 2023-2033" report.
Boeing's Apache AH-64E possesses advanced avionics, targeting systems, and communication suites, providing pilots with situational awareness and enabling them to operate effectively in complex and challenging environments.
The Apache AH-64E is popular amongst international customers, with the United Arab Emirates, India, and the UK signing deals with Boeing over the last five years. The most significant of the contracts was the UK's, where the British Army was provided a new fleet of 50 Apache AH-64E helicopters.
