US says approves sale of another 24 Hellfire missiles to Singapore

Singapore has ordered 67 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, alongside training and support, at an estimated cost of $22.3mn, the US State Department says

The US State Department has approved the sale of an additional 24 Hellfire missiles to Singapore, along with other related logistics and programme support.

In total, Singapore has ordered 67 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, along with spare parts, repair services, support equipment, training as well as engineering and logistics support, at an estimated total cost of $22.3 million, the State Department said in a statement. Lockheed Martin is the principal contractor for the order.

Hellfire missiles are air-to-ground subsonic missiles with anti-tank capabilities. The State Department said the proposed sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region".

In a post on its website on Wednesday, Singapore's defence ministry said the missiles will be equipped on the air force's AH-64D Apache helicopters and support its routine training and operational requirements.