Arms Purchases

@ New Zealand has received the first two of five SH-2G(NZ) Super Seasprite helicopters from the US; two more are due this morning. The fifth will be delivered next year. These helicopters will be used by the Leander-class frigates for transport, combat, and surveillance missions.

@ Singapore has ordered 12 more AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters. It previously ordered eight of these aircraft. The new $600 million deal includes spare engines and Hellfire missiles.--Stephen V Cole