The US Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin a $102.4 million contract to upgrade the sensors on Egypt’s Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters.
The contract covers Apache Attack Helicopter Modernized Target Acquisition Designation/Pilot Night Vision Sensor System (M-TADS/PNVS) as part of a broader modernization effort to upgrade the aircraft to the latest AH-64E Apache Guardian standard. The contract runs through July 2024.
$2.3 Billion Upgrade
The US State Department cleared a proposal to refurbish 43 Egyptian Apache helicopters in May 2020 for an estimated $2.3 billion. The upgrade included “remanufactured engines, and AN/ASQ-170 Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/AN/AAR-11 Pilot Night Vision Sensors” and other equipment.
The M-TADS/PNVS is an advanced electro-optical fire control system that provides “aircrews with a greater resolution for pilotage, targeting, and enhanced situational awareness” during the day, at night, and in adverse weather missions.
For Counter-Terrorism
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated in 2020 that the Egyptian government intends to use the upgraded Apaches to counter “terrorist activities emanating from the Sinai Peninsula, which threaten Egyptian and Israeli security and undermine regional stability.”
The agency added that the deal would enhance interoperability between the militaries of Egypt, the US, and their allies.
