US OKs $3 bn upgrade of Boeing Apache helicopters for UK

The US government has approved Britain's request to have 50 of its older model Apache helicopters refurbished and upgraded by Boeing Co and other US companies, a deal valued at around USD 3 billion (1.95 billion pounds), the Defence Department announced on Thursday.

The Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which oversees foreign arms sales, notified US lawmakers on Wednesday about the possible sale, which would include 110 T-700-GE-701D engines built by General Electric Co, and a variety of acquisition sights, sensors and radar equipment.

Lawmakers have 15 days to block the sale, although such action is rare since deals are usually carefully vetted before any formal notification.

DSCA said the proposed upgrades and refurbishment of the 50 helicopters would allow Britain to work more closely and seamlessly with US forces.

It said Britain would use the Apache helicopters to conduct various missions, including counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations.

Lockheed Martin Corp  is another key supplier on the programme, the government said.