NEW DELHI: India today signed a nearly USD 3 billion deal for purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing and the US Government.
The first helicopter is likely to be handed over to India in the next three to four years.
“The contract for purchase of 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters were signed here today,” Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said.
The contract has a clause to place follow-on orders for 11 more Apaches and seven extra Chinooks.
The helicopter deal has survived over 10 price validity extensions from the American side with the last one being for a month as desired by India.
While the Chinook helicopter deal is a direct one with the US firm, the one for Apache is a hybrid.
A part of the Apache deal was signed with Boeing for the helicopter and the other with the US Government, under Foreign Military Sales route, for its weapons, radars and electronic warfare suites.
Sources said the total cost of the contract will be around USD 3 billion. (AGENCIES)
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