AH-64E Guardian for Indonesian National Army Force

The Government of Indonesia has requested a possible sale of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters. The contract will be complete by 28 February 2018.

When the deal was first announced by the US government in August 2013 the value was estimated to be USD500 million, suggesting that follow-on contracts for equipment and weapons will follow shortly.

Indonesian army chief of staff General Budiman previously told reporters that the Apaches will be deployed to a number of bases, including the Berau installation in East Kalimantan.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress September 19 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Indonesia of 8 AH-64D APACHE Block III LONGBOW Attack Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support. The estimated cost is $1.42 billion for 19 T-700-GE-701D Engines (16 installed and 3 spares), 9 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/Modernized Pilot Night Vision Sensors, 4 AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars (FCR) with Radar Electronics Units (Longbow Component), 4 AN/APR-48A Radar Frequency Interferometers, 10 AAR-57(V) 3/5 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) with 5th Sensor and Improved Countermeasure Dispenser, 10 AN/AVR-2B Laser Detecting Sets, 10 AN/APR-39A(V)4 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, 24 Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Systems (IHDSS-21), 32 M299A1 HELLFIRE Missile Launchers, and 140 HELLFIRE AGM-114R3 Missiles. Also included are Identification Friend or Foe transponders, 30mm guns and ammunition, communication equipment, tools and test equipment, training devices, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. 

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Southeast Asia.

The proposed sale provides the Government of Indonesia with assets vital to protect and deter both external and other potential threats. Indonesia will use these APACHE helicopters to defend its borders, conduct counterterrorism and counter-piracy operations, and control the free flow of shipping through the Strait of Malacca.

While these helicopters are being procured as part of a wider revamp of Indonesia's rotary-winged combat capabilities, they are specifically being brought to help the country protect its economic interests in the South China Sea. Four helicopters will be deployed on the Natuna Islands, close to Indonesia's maritime borders with Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Indonesia is not involved in any of the disputes over contested South China Sea islands, but Beijing's 'nine-dotted-line' claim overlaps Jakarta's ambitions for its Exclusive Economic Zone in the Natuna Islands region.

The materiel and services under this program will enable Indonesia to become a more capable defensive force and will also provide key elements required for interoperability with U.S. forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in Mesa, Arizona; Lockheed Martin Corporation in Orlando, Florida; General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Ohio; Lockheed Martin Millimeter Technology in Owego, New York; and Longbow Limited Liability Corporation in Orlando, Florida.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of five U.S. contractor representatives and three U.S. Government representatives in country full-time for equipment checkout, fielding, and technical support.