Kuwait requests helicopter support

Kuwait has asked the United States for continuing logistics and other support for its AH-64D Apache helicopter fleet. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sales program transaction, said the support package would be worth about $200 million. "The proposed sale of logistics and technical support will enable the Kuwaiti air force to ensure the reliability and performance of its Apache helicopters," the agency said. "The follow-on support will allow Kuwait to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations." The contract would cover continuing logistics support, training, depot-level repair services and technical services, publications and technical documentation, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related services. The principal contractors would Boeing in Mesa, Ariz.; Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla.; Longbow Limited Liability Corporation in Orlando, Fla.; and Lockheed Martin Mission Sensors and Systems in Owego, N.Y. DSCA said an extension to the assignment of contractor and U.S. government personnel to Kuwait may be required.