22 September 2012

AH-64D Block III Longbow (photo : global military review)

WASHINGTON– The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 19 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The estimated cost is $1.42 billion.

The Government of Indonesia has requested a possible sale of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters, 19 T-700-GE-701D Engines (16 installed and 3 spares), 9 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 4 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) with Radar Electronics Units (Longbow Component), 4 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 10 AAR-57(V) 3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) with 5th Sensor and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser, 10 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 10 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 24 Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems (IHDSS-21), 32 M299A1 HELLFIRE Missile Launchers, and 140 HELLFIRE AGM-114R3 Missiles.

Also included are Identification Friend or Foe transponders, 30mm guns and ammunition, communication equipment, tools and test equipment, training devices, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $1.42 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United Statesby helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

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

The materiel and services under this program will enable Indonesia to become a more capable defensive force and will also provide key elements required for interoperability with U.S. forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, Florida; General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio; Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology in Owego, New York; and Longbow Limited Liability Corporation in Orlando, Florida. Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of five U.S. contractor representatives and three U.S. Government representatives in country full-time for equipment checkout, fielding, and technical

support.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(DSCA)

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21 September 2012

Boeing AH-64D Apache (photo : Militaryphotos)

US Agrees to Sell Indonesia 8 Apache Helicopters

(Reuters) - The United Statessaid on Thursday it will sell Indonesiaeight AH-64/D Apache helicopters to strengthen security ties with the largest country in Southeast Asia and the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking during a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa in Washington, said Congress had been notified of the intent to sell the aircraft.

"This agreement will strengthen our comprehensive partnership and help enhance security across the region," Clinton said.

President Barack Obama's administration has sought to buttress defense ties with Indonesiaas it refocuses its attention toward the Asia-Pacific following long years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The United Stateshas stepped up military cooperation with traditional allies such as the Philippines and Australia, and joined regional efforts to press Chinato accept a multilateral framework for solving flaring territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Clintondid not reveal an estimated cost for the Apache deal, which Indonesian media have reported has been in the works for months. The attack helicopters, used by militaries around the world, are made by Boeing.

The United Stateslast year announced it was giving Indonesiatwo dozen second-hand F-16 fighter planes, with Jakarta covering the estimated $750 million needed to refurbish the late-model fighters and overhaul their engines.

U.S.officials say the delivery of U.S.hardware will improve cooperation and information-sharing between the U.S. and Indonesian militaries as they face common security threats.

The announcement of the helicopter sale came as Clinton and Natalegawa wound up the third regular U.S.-Indonesia joint commission meeting, with both saying that ties between the two countries had grown stronger.

Clinton, who visited Indonesiathis month as part of an Asia-Pacific tour, said trade topped $26 billion last year and that the United States would invest $600 million over the next five years in Indonesian clean energy development, child health and nutrition programs and government transparency initiatives under its Millennium Challenge aid program.

Indonesiahas been among the nations hit by violent anti-American protests over the past week to protest against a U.S.-made video seen as critical of Islam.

Clinton said that the United Stateshad decided to temporarily close its diplomatic facilities in the country on Friday in case further protests erupt. But she praised Jakarta for its response to the crisis.

"We are very grateful for not only the cooperation and the protection that has been provided to our facilities, but also for the strong statements condemning violence," Clinton said.

(Reuters)

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