PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
But mixed fleet purchase proposals cause local concern
Spain is discussing the lease of Boeing AH-64A Apache attack helicopters from the US Army as the government debates a mixed purchase of new build AH-64Ds and Eurocopter Tigers.
The move is an attempt to appease the opposing demands of the Spanish military and local industry.
Under a plan now being considered, the Spanish army would lease six US Army AH-64As for around three years, starting in 2003. The Apaches would be an interim measure until 12 Longbow-radar equipped AH-64Ds could be delivered in 2006. The US-built machines would be supplemented by up to 18 armed reconnaissance versions of the competing Franco-German Tiger helicopter.
The idea of buying Apache Longbow and Tiger was broached by Spanish defence minister Frederico Trillo during a meeting with French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie last month, according to sources in Madrid close to the defence ministry. Spain is understood to have already approached Washington DC with a request for price and availability data.
Spain would be the first country to order both types, but the proposal has caused concern in sections of the army. "A mix of helicopters if one is talking about a total of 300 or so, could make sense, but when you're only talking about a total of 30, a mix makes no sense at all. It will create logistical nightmares," says an official.
The Spanish army has been lobbying hard for the Apache, but Spain's principal aerospace company is an integral part of Eurocopter parent EADS and will be at the centre of offset proposals, so the proposed solution is seen as a political compromise.
Apache and Tiger have traditionally competed head-to-head, with Japan recently selecting the AH-64D and Australia the Tiger.
Additional reporting Christina Mackenzie in paris
Source: Flight International
