The U.S. State Department has given its approval to a possible Foreign Military Sale for the re-manufacture of British attack helicopters.

The deal would involve re-manufacture of 50 WAH-64 Mk 1 attack helicopters to AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters, plus parts, logistical support and associated equipment.

The estimated value of the deal is $3 billion.

"The proposed sale provides the Government of the United Kingdom with assets vital to deter and defend against potential threats," said the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency in its notification to Congress. "The United Kingdom will use the Apache helicopters to conduct various missions, including counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations.

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

The WAH-64 Mk 1 is a British version of the AH-64. It was built by Westland Helicopters (now part of AgustaWestland), under license from Boeing.

The FMS deal would include the supply of 110 T-700-GE-701D engines, refurbishment of 53 AN/ASQ-170 modernized target acquisition and designation sights, refurbishment of AN/AAR-11 modernized pilot night vision sensors, as well as refurbishment of AN/APG-78 fire control radars.

Other radar and electronic equipment would also be refurbished or supplied.

"The upgrade and refurbishment of these helicopters will allow the United Kingdom greater interoperability with U.S. forces," said DSCA, which manages FMS program deals.

The prime contractors would be Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and Longbow LLC.

Airbus Helicopters to demo Tiger combat aircraft in Poland
Warsaw, Poland (UPI) Aug 28, 2015 –

Airbus Helicopters reports its Tiger aircraft will perform a flight demonstration in Poland prior to the start next week's MSPO defense exhibition.

The Tiger HAD chosen for the demonstration is from the French Army, which has used Tigers in operations in Afghanistan and the Sahel.

"With its flat and narrow silhouette, the Tiger HAD's advantages include low detectability, low vulnerability, high survivability, high agility and maneuverability making it the attack helicopter best adapted to both symmetric and asymmetric battlefields with unique capabilities whether for air-to-ground or air-to-air combat," France-based Airbus Helicopters said.

The company is offering the Tiger in its bid for a Polish Army contract.

The Tiger is a twin-engine aircraft with an all-composite structure, a glass cockpit and a full range of armament, including a 30mm turret cannon and a range of wing-mounted missiles and rockets.

It has a maximum speed of 196 miles per hour without mast and a combat range of 500 miles, which can be extended through additional fuel tanks.

It is flown by the military forces of France, Germany, Spain and Australia.