US Approves Sale of Hellfire Missiles For Netherlands Apache helicopters And Reaper Drones

Defense News ,Netherland :- In an announcement on February 2, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) revealed that the U.S. Department of State has given the green light for the potential sale of Lockheed Martin AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles to the Netherlands.

The approval encompasses a comprehensive package, including 386 AGM-114R2 Hellfire missiles, associated equipment, and support services, with an estimated contract value of USD 150 million, as reported by the DSCA.

The statement from the DSCA emphasized that the proposed sale aims to enhance the Netherlands' capacity for homeland defense and serve as a deterrent against regional threats.

The Dutch Armed Forces have expressed their intention to procure a new supply of Hellfire missiles for deployment on Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and General Atomics Aeronautical System MQ-9A Reaper drones. This move aligns with a plan announced by the Dutch Ministry of Defence last year, outlining the integration of Hellfire missiles onto Reaper drones.

With a history spanning over two decades, the Netherlands has been utilizing Hellfire missiles since 1995. The initial acquisition included 600 missiles along with AH-64D helicopters. Subsequently, the country entered into two additional contracts for Hellfire missiles, totaling 350 units.