Singapore Adds Longbow Radar to its AH-64D Apache Order

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RepSAF) became only the second export customer for Northrop Grumman/Lockheed Martin's APG-78 Longbow millimetric-wave mast-mounted radar to be installed in its still-to-be delivered Boeing/MDH AH-64D attack helicopters, with its initial $25.9 million contract (to be) announced here Tuesday. Singapore was the first Asian-Pacific customer for the Boeing/MDH Apache, from a $620 million FMS contract in March 1999 for eight AH-64Ds, with options on 12 more, for delivery from 2002. Also included were two spare T700-GE-701C turboshafts, 216 Boeing/Rockwell AGM-114K Hellfire 2 laser-guided ATMs, 9,120 Hydra 70 unguided rockets, other weapons and associated equipment, apart from Longbow.

"Selection of the Longbow multirole radar by the Republic of Singapore Air Force clearly demonstrates its confidence in the ability of the radar system to enhance both the overall mission effectiveness and survivability of the AH-64D", said William H. Forster, Northrop Grumman's Land Combat Systems' vice-president.

Meanwhile, planned Israeli procurement of 12 AH-64D Longbow Apaches, plus upgrades of 12 of its existing AH-64As to similar standards, from negotiations reported last October, has reportedly run into problems. These are connected with long-standing US restrictions on the transfer of software source codes for exported military equipment, which are vital for the integration of additional systems and equipment.