State Department Clears Australia’s $300M FMS Request for AH-64E Apache Sustainment

The State Department has approved Australia’s request for AH-64E Apache sustainment support services and related equipment under a potential $300 million foreign military sale transaction.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Friday Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will be the principal contractors for the proposed deal.

Australia asked to purchase AH-64E Apache sustainment support services, including U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services. The possible FMS will also include technical data and publications, personnel training and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The U.S. ally aims to strengthen its capability to defend against existing and future threats by ensuring the functionality of its fleet of AH-64E Apache helicopters. The acquisition is also expected to enhance Australia’s capacity to aid coalition operations and support mutual security goals in the region.

Up to four U.S. government personnel and contractor representatives will be assigned to Australia for up to five years to support the sustainment of the AH-64E Apache helicopters.

DSCA notified Congress of the possible sale Friday.

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