(Image source from: rediff.com)

The deal to sell six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters has been approved by the Trump administration for USD 930 million, that will strengthen India's ability to defend its homeland and deter regional threats, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

Regarding the State department's decision about the sale, Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified the Congress. The sale is anticipated to pass through if no lawmaker opposes this.

The notification said, "This will strengthen India's ability to defend its homeland and deter regional threats."

The contract, in addition to the attack helicopters as well includes fire control radars; Hellfire Longbow missiles; stinger Block I-92H missiles; night vision sensors; GPS guidance and inertial navigation systems.

"This support for the AH-64E will provide an increase in India's defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernize its armed forces. India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces," the Pentagon said.

"India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added.

With over 50 years of experience as a troop and police, India is one of the largest contributors of United Nations peacemakers. India is as well an active partner in the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), a Department of State-led attempt to train and equip partner countries with peacekeeping missions.

By Sowmya Sangam