The United States government has approved the potential sale of new AGM-179A missiles to equip the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s AH-64E Apache helicopters. The operation, valued at approximately $215 million, would be carried out through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This was announced by the U.S. Department of State in its customary public notification to Congress, issued on June 12.
Expanding on the details of the proposed agreement, the request includes 296 AGM-179A Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles (JAGM) as well as AGM-179 JAGM (CATM) training missiles. The package also includes technical and logistical support from the Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions Project Office and the Security Assistance Management Directorate, Dutch crew training, storage containers, and warranties to cover potential technical failures related to the equipment.
Regarding the proposed sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated:“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. (…) The Netherlands intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its capability to strengthen homeland defense and deter regional threats. This will contribute to the Netherlands’ military goals of updating its capabilities while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other Allies.”
Additionally, the official DSCA statement specified that the primary contractor involved in the potential sale would be Lockheed Martin Corporation, particularly through its facility in Orlando, Florida. As is customary, the U.S. government noted that no offset agreements are expected to be required for the deal. However, three U.S. government representatives and three contractor personnel are to be deployed to the Netherlands to provide support, with two annual trips planned as part of the agreement.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the acquisition of these new missiles is part of a broader modernization plan for the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s AH-64E fleet, carried out in cooperation with manufacturer Boeing. The first two helicopters under this program were delivered in December 2023 via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. These units, bearing serial numbers “Q-37” and “Q-38,” feature key upgrades including more powerful engines, new rotor blades, the AN/ASQ-170 target designation system, and the AN/AAR-11 night vision system.
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