Qatar receives 3 billion USD worth Apache Helicopters
Qatar has received the first batch of AH-64E Apache helicopters from the US, in a deal that could worth up to 3 billion USD. The ceremony took place at the Boeing Defense Systems headquarters in Arizona, US, in presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed al-Attiya.
Along with the 24 helicopters out of 64, Qatar has also received 52 T700-GE-701D engines, 26 AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight (MTADS), 26 AN/AAQ-11 Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 2,500 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and 28 M230 30mm automatic chain guns. The agreement also covers maintenance and training of pilots, technicians and weapons manager.
The DSCA stated that the aircraft would be used for close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank warfare missions and would also provide a long-term defensive and offensive capability to the Qatar peninsula.
Current delivery has doubled the number of previous AH-64E Apache helicopters the Gulf country already has.
