ARMY PLANS TO PURCHASE HELICOPTER GUNSHIPS: MND
ROC Central News Agency
2005-11-21 23:35:28
Taipei, Nov. 21 (CNA) The army is planning to purchase new helicopter gunships to beef up the nation's defense capabilities, but the type and quantity to be procured have yet to be determined, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Monday.
MND spokesman Rear Admiral Liu Chih-chien was responding to media reports that the army plans to buy 72 Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter gunships.
Liu said the MND is still evaluating all possible options and that no decision has been reached yet.
The army already has AH-1W SuperCobra helicopter gunships from Bell Helicopter Co. Military sources said Bell has lobbied the army to purchase its upgraded version AH-1Z gunships.
The Boeing-made AH-64 Apache has drawn much attention since its outstanding performance in the war in Iraq. Equipped with Longbow radar and Hellfire missiles, Apache is a powerful weapon, military sources said, adding that procurement of more helicopter gunships will greatly boost the military's anti-landing combat capabilities.
(By Sofia Wu)
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