The US will sell eight new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to Indonesia in a deal that aims to further strengthen military relations between the countries.
During a recent visit to Indonesia, US defense secretary Chuck Hagel said the US$500 million deal would include pilot training, maintenance and radars. A delivery schedule for the eight helicopters was not disclosed.
Hagel told reporters during the visit: “A strong Indonesia is good for the region. Providing Indonesia these world-class helicopters is an example of our commitment to help build Indonesia’s military capability.”
Indonesia’s defence allocations for 2014 are US$7.65 billion, representing the largest share of any government program.
Military relations between the US and Indonesia were restored in 2005 after a more than three-decade severance of ties during the Suharto presidency.
