Zee Media Bureau Jun 13, 2018, 08:12 AM IST,

In a move that could be a big boost for India's defensive capabilities, the US State Department on Tuesday approved the sale of six Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters.

According to a news release from Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale of the attack helicopters - as requested by India - would help in strengthening US-Indian strategic relationship and to 'improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.'

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While the release highlights that the proposed sale won't alter the basic military balance in South Asia, many feel the attack helicopters could enable Indian armed forces to tackle ground-armoured threats.

The Apache is manufactured by Boeing - a company that is now in partnership with TATA to manufacture the helicopters in India.

Apart from the attack helicopter, the US State Department also approved sale of four AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars, 180 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles, 90 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire II missiles, 200 Stinger Block I-92H missiles, Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems, 30mm cannons, transponders, simulators, training equipment etc. The total cost of the deal is said to be around $930 million.