24 Sep 02. Kuwait has agreed to buy BAE SYSTEMS HIDAS for its Longbow Apache attack helicopters through a US Government FMS contract. The aircraft will be equipped with HIDAS Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids System, to meet the requirement for an advanced, programmable electronic self-protection system. BAE SYSTEMS, with the full co-operation of the UK Ministry of Defence, will also provide a comprehensive training and support package and as part of the sale, HIDAS will be integrated into an Apache Longbow Crew trainer to be delivered to the KAF. The HIDAS configuration selected for Kuwait Apaches is the same as that specified by the UK MoD for their Apache Longbows which are soon to enter service with the British Army.

This will be the first FMS sale for HIDAS and represents the benefits of the global presence of BAE SYSTEMS.

BAE SYSTEMS co-operates closely with Boeing within Team Apache and as part of the team has signed an agreement with the Offset Programmes Office to meet their portion of Kuwait offset requirements.

Comment: The decision by the UK MoD to include HIDAS and not the US system as part of the UK Apache programme has paid off. Originally developed by GEC-Marconi for the Cobra programme, HIDAS was integrated into the UK Apaches as part of the overall contract agreement following GEC’s loss of the Cobra offering.