The US has agreed for the first time to sell new AH-64E Apache attack helic

[Major Shaitan Singh]

With the helicopter sale, the US says it wants to help build Indonesia's military capability

PM unveils Indonesia Airbus deal
The US has agreed for the first time to sell new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Indonesia, US officials say.

The deal is worth $500m (£320m), including radar, training and maintenance.

Indonesia will purchase eight new Apache helicopters, made by Boeing.

The deal was announced during a visit by US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel, who is on a tour of South East Asia, to Jakarta.

"Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia's military capability," he said in a statement.

The deal will help Indonesia respond to "a range of contingencies including counter-piracy operations and maritime awareness", it said.

The US has recently stepped up its diplomatic efforts in East Asia in order to establish a strong presence there in the face of advances by China, correspondents say.

 

[Nike]

it just the first deal for one batch, expected to deal another batch until the number of Apache AH64E reach 40's

 

[nufix]

Can't wait for MEF phase II where tons of new batch will be added !

 

[cnleio]

Apache AH64E is good enough for Indonesia, evevy country want Apache