Home Africa Egypt’s Apache upgrade project kicks-off with $102M contract for Lockheed

Egypt’s Apache upgrade project kicks-off with $102M contract for Lockheed

Egyptian Apache upgrade
US Air Force file photo of an Egyptian Air Force AH-64 Apache helicopter during exercise during Exercise Bright Star 2018.

The US defense department recently awarded Lockheed Martin a $102 million contract to upgrade 25 of Egypt’s AH-64D Apaches to the E-model version.

This modernization will include the integration of Lockheed Martin’s Gen III Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor (Gen III TADS/PNVS) and the Gen III Day Sensor Assembly (Gen III DSA).

The award is part of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract signed with the US Army. The ID/IQ serves as the contracting vehicle to provide Gen III DSA and Gen III TADS/PNVS systems and services.

Under the order, Lockheed Martin is delivering the upgraded sensor kits as part of a remanufacture effort to upgrade D-model Apaches to E-models.

The contract award comes after the US State Department cleared $2.3 billion worth of upgrades for Egypt’s 43 AH-64E Apaches in May 2020. Back then, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said equipment cleared for sale included engines, navigation, missile warning and weapon systems.

Lockheed Martin will now be responsible for delivering the target acquisition upgrade, with work set to be performed at the Boeing Apache Helicopter Plant in Mesa, Arizona by July 2024.

Gen III TADS/PNVS, known as the “eyes of the Apache,” provides pilots with long-range, precision engagement and pilotage capabilities for safe flight during day, night and adverse weather missions. Gen III DSA increases Gen III TADS/PNVS designation and ranging capabilities to fully accommodate current weapons and those planned for the future.

The upgraded sensor enables Apache pilots to see high-resolution, high-definition, near-infrared and color imagery on cockpit displays. Gen III DSA also provides a new laser pointer marker that improves coordination with ground troops, and an updated multi-mode laser with eye-safe range designation that supports flight in urban environments and critical training exercises.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to a strong and sustained partnership with our customers in the United States and around the world,” said Tom Eldredge, Director of Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control Rotary Wing Sensors program. “This contract enables us to respond rapidly to Egypt’s emerging defense needs, including requirements for new sensor systems and upgrades.”