The Washington State Department has decided to approve a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Australian Government of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.95 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the United States’ Defense Security Cooperation Agency, has provided the certification required to notify Congress of this potential sale.
Among other things, the Australian Government has ordered forty UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; eighty-eight T700-GE 701D engines (80 vehicles, 8 spare parts); forty-four AN/AAR-57 Anti-ballistic Warning System (CMWS) (40 vehicles, 4 spare parts); Ninety-six H-764U Integrated Global Positioning Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) and state-unique SAASM (or future replacement) system (80 vehicles, 16 spare parts).
Training devices are also required; helmets. Transportation; Regulatory equipment parts and repair. support equipment; testing tools and equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; US government and contractors; engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related logistical support items.
This sales proposal will support US foreign policy and national security objectives. Australia is one of the most important allies in the western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power greatly contributes to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is critical to the national interest of the United States to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a robust, ready-to-defense capability.
The proposed sale will replace the existing Australian fleet of multirole helicopters with a more reliable and stable system that will allow Australia to maintain the appropriate level of readiness for joint operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk will enhance the Australian Army’s ability to deploy combat power to share Australia’s strategic environment, deter actions against its interests and, when needed, respond with reliable force.
The main contractor will be Lockheed Martin, Bethesda, MD. The buyer usually asks for compensation. There are no known clearing agreements. Any future netting arrangements will be determined in negotiations between the buyer and the contractor(s).
Implementation of this proposed sale would require the appointment of any representatives of the United States Government and five representatives of US contractors to Australia for a period of three years.
Defense Security Cooperation Agency Source
US Army photo
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