The US Army has awarded defense contractor MD Helicopters Inc. $35 million to support Afghanistan’s fleet of light attack helicopters, the US service said in a statement.

US officials modified a previously awarded contract for the Mesa, Ariz.-based company to maintain and supply a fleet of MD-530F aircraft, provide interpreters and train Afghans.
The work will take place in Mesa and Kabul, and is set to finish Nov. 30, the US Army said.
The award comes as a U.S. official told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Afghan military will need continued financial support, even if foreign forces leave Afghanistan as part of a deal signed with the Taliban.