Calling card: U.S. awards contract for Saudi helicopter fleet in advance of Obama trip

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http://www.worldtribune.com/2014/03/14/calling-card-u-s-awards-contract-for-saudi-helicopter-fleet-in-advance-of-obama-trip/

WASHINGTON — The United States has awarded a contract to support the Saudi Arabian military ahead of the visit by President Barack Obama.


The Defense Department awarded a $25.5 million contract to support the Royal Saudi Land Forces.

The Pentagon contract to Longbow was meant to maintain the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fleet of the Saudi Army’s Aviation Command.

“Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $25,504,554 were obligated at the time of the award,” the Pentagon said.

On March 13, the Pentagon said Longbow would provide spares, support equipment and logistics for the Saudi Army. The statement said the contract
would be completed by July 2016.

The award, overseen by the U.S. Army, was announced ahead of Obama’s first visit to Saudi Arabia in late March. Officials said the president was expected to be quizzed by the Saudi leadership on U.S. policy toward Iran and Syria.