The State Department has approved Australia’s request to buy 29 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, built by Boeing (NYSE: BA), along with associated equipment and support services under a potential $3.5 billion foreign military sales agreement with the U.S. government.
The transaction also includes 29 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor systems, manufactured by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), 64 T700-GE 701D turboshaft engines and aircraft technology such as fire control radars, common missile warning systems and identification friend or foe transponders, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.
DSCA said the sale would require the deployment of eight contractor personnel to Australia and that the buyer could negotiate offset provisions with the vendors.
The U.S. aims to help Australian forces stay ahead of homeland security threats and maintain interoperability with allied troops.
