The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plans to order an additional 12 BoeingAH-64D Longbow Apaches, as it prepares to become the first Asian country to field the radar-equipped attack helicopter. The delivery of an initial eight machines will start next year.
Singapore has issued a letter of request initiating the US congressional notification process for the proposed foreign military sale. The $617 million deal firms up options for 12 helicopters placed in 1999, when the RSAF ordered eight AH-64Ds.
Notification also covers six spare General Electric T700-701C engines, four Lockheed Martin Hellfire II semi-active laser training missiles, 28 spare Hellfire II launchers, two spare target acquisition designation sight systems, M267 and M274 rockets, as well as 30mm ammunition, helmet mounted display systems, spares and training support. Deliveries of the extra machines would start in 2004.
It does not include any additional Northrop Grumman/Lockheed Martin Longbow fire control radars, which would form the basis of a separate notification to Congress. Singapore has already ordered an unknown quantity of millimetre-wave radars as part of its initial purchase, the release of which held up the deal for some time.
It is understood that the follow-on helicopters will enable Singapore to deploy a number of Apaches in Australia or at home. Singapore has a variety of aircraft types based in Australia, which offers airspace for training purposes.
Singapore, in line with past practice, plans to base its initial helicopters in the USA for training, with Fort Hood the most likely location.
Source: Flight International