Suherdjoko, Semarang – The Army received on Wednesday eight new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters purchased from the United States.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu symbolically handed over the eight helicopters to Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, represented by his logistics assistant Rear Admiral Bambang Nariyono.

Army chief of staff Gen. Mulyono, US Deputy Ambassador Erin McKee and several TNI and National Police officials attended the event.

The purchase of the eight Apache helicopters was announced by then US secretary of state Hillary Clinton in 2012, at a meeting with then foreign minister Marty Natalegawa in Washington DC. The helicopter-purchase contract was signed following the announcement.

"Each helicopter is worth US$41 million. This helicopter is a technologically advanced primary defense weapon system. We hope these helicopters can strengthen the work of the Indonesian Army, which has a huge responsibility in safeguarding the sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, especially on land," said Ryamizard.

The minister said the eight helicopters were procured through the government's partnership with the US government under the office management program to ensure the delivery of the helicopters ran smoothly.

"In principle, it was conducted under a government-to-government partnership. There was no broker, no mark up. The price of the helicopters was clearly stated," said Ryamizard, adding that the helicopters could be used for all purposes and under all conditions. (ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/05/16/army-gets-eight-apache-helicopters.html