US Approves Boeing Contract With Kuwait For Apache Helicopters

By Jimmy Jenkins
Published: Sunday, February 5, 2017 - 5:05am
Updated: Monday, February 6, 2017 - 7:59am
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(Photo courtesy of Boeing)
The Apache AH-64D is produced by Boeing in Mesa.

An Arizona defense contractor has won government approval for a large contract with the government of Kuwait. Apache helicopters refurbished in Mesa will end up in the Middle East.

Boeing’s facility in Mesa is responsible for making and repairing Apache attack helicopters. The estimated $400 million contract with Kuwait is for maintenance and systems upgrades as well training devices, helmets and simulators.

Boeing has to comply with the Department of Defense’s Foreign Military Sales program in order to do the work.

Dave McKeeby with the Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs explains that U.S. contractors need government approval before transferring defense equipment overseas. “

It’s not like you know just going into Costco and being able to pick off any platform you like off the shelf," McKeeby said. "We work collaboratively with partners to match the best capability with the most appropriate need.”

Now that the State Department has signed off on the contract, Congress has 30 days to review the sale. Kuwait and Boeing will then settle on a final price.

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