Qatar to get 24 more US Apache helicopters.

The US State Department has approved a possible $3 billion sale of Apache attack helicopters to Qatar, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

AH-64E (Picture source: US Air Force)

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar of twenty-four AH-64E Apache Attack helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.0 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today", the release said.

The proposed sale of the AH-64E Apache helicopters will supplement the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s previous procurement of twenty-four AH-64Es, which are capable of meeting its requirements for close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank warfare missions. The helicopters will provide a long-term defensive and offensive capability to the Qatar peninsula as well as enhance the protection of key oil and gas infrastructure and platforms. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The sale of the helicopters has yet to be complete and must be reviewed by Congress before being finalised.

In March, Qatar received the first batch of helicopters from its first purchase of the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.