The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing a $242 million contract modification to provide new and remanufactured Apache AH-64E helicopters to the United Arab Emirates, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a release.

The modification will cover the remanufacture of eight Apaches and nine new-build aircraft, the Friday, October 5 release said.

The total cost is $242,109,170. The contract (W58RGZ-16-C-0023) was first awarded in March 2016 and has a potential value of $7.3 billion over its lifetime.

Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of February 28, 2023.

AH-64E Guardian

Boeing describes the AH-64 Apache as “the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.”

It has a wingspan of 17.15 feet (5.2m) and can climb at more than 2,000 feet per minute. It features laser, infrared and other systems to locate, track and attack targets. It is capable of classifying up to 128 targets in less than a minute.

The Apache can carry a range of weapons including a 30mm automatic cannon, precision Hellfire missiles and 70mm rockets.

The AH-64E Guardian variant features an upgraded Longbow fire control radar, more powerful engines, and advanced avionics and night-vision capabilities.

The first Guardians were delivered in 2011 and full-rate production began in 2012.

Its precedessor, the AH-64D Apache Longbow, was in service with the U.S. Army and other defense forces since the 1990s.

On September 17, the Netherlands signed a $1.2 billion agreement to upgrade the Dutch fleet on AH-64D Apache helicopters to the AH-64E configuration.

Taiwan put its second squadron of AH-64Es into service in July.