Boeing has announced a $1.9 billion contract to build 184 AH-64E Apaches for the United States Army and international clients, including Australia. The deal could potentially increase to more than $3.8 billion with future obligations. Among the orders, 115 Apaches will go to the U.S. Army, with 15 to be procured as options. The 54 additional aircraft will be delivered to partner nations as part of the Foreign Military Sales program.
Col. Shane Finison, commander of the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, flies an AH-64E Apache helicopter near Tacoma, Wash. on Jul. 11, 2022. This was the final flight for Col. Finison as the brigade commander. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Kyle Abraham, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade)
The Japanese government is expanding Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Ishigaki Garrison so that it can accommodate the Type 12 anti-ship missiles and Type 03 air defense missile system.
In a move to bolster Belgium’s military capabilities, the Council of Ministers has given the green light to the acquisition of 20 light helicopters, 15 of which will be utilized by the army while the remaining five will be allocated for the police force. The purchase will be facilitated through NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
The U.S. Army has plans to develop a next-generation Stinger missile as a replacement for the current inventory, which is in decline. The Biden administration is expected to deliver its budget request to lawmakers soon, with additional details about the next-generation Stinger program expected to emerge. The Army plans to begin the design, development, and testing of a replacement missile in FY23, leading to the production of 10,000 M-SHORAD Inc 3 missiles beginning in FY27. The future missile will be launched from the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher to target rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft and Group 2-3 unmanned aircraft systems.
OKINAWA, Japan – A U.S. Army Green Beret with 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), fires a training round with the Stinger Missile System during a field exercise hosted by the Marine Low Altitude Air Defense Unit on Sept. 9, 2021 at Okinawa, Japan. This realistic training familiarizes Green Berets with the portable air-defense system and gives them the ability to rapidly deploy it in diverse environments across the Indo-Pacific. (This photo has been altered for security purposes.)
MD Helicopters is excited to announce that it is increasing production line capabilities and staffing to meet additional sales orders, including the 12 Cayuse Warrior Plus scout/attack helicopters recently awarded by the Nigerian Army. These helicopters will support counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in Nigeria.
