Boeing had hoped to announce at the show a signed contract launching production of the AH-6i, but must settle instead for the assurance that a deal will be closed soon.

Mike Burke, a Boeing Defence, Space and Security vice president of business development, said the launch contract could be signed by the end of the month. Another deal with Saudi Arabia might still be months away, but a letter of acceptance authorising the start of contract negotiations could be signed before the end of the year, Burke added.

Boeing has been waiting for the AH-6i's first order since Jordan agreed to become the launch customer last year. The US government, meanwhile, also announced last year that Saudi Arabia could buy the AH-6i.

Source: Flight Daily News