Deal Could Be Worth $680 Million If Approved

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Mexico for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $680 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 17, 2014.

The Government of Mexico has requested a possible sale of 18 UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters in standard USG configuration with designated unique equipment and Government Furnished Equipment (GFE), 40 T700-GE-701D Engines (36 installed and 4 spares), 42 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems (36 installed and 6 spares), 36 M134 7.62mm Machine Guns, 5 Aviation Mission Planning Systems, 18 AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles, and 1 Aviation Ground Power Unit. Also included are communication security equipment including AN/ARC-210 RT-8100 series radios, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, aircraft warranty, air worthiness support, facility construction, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, site surveys, tool and test equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related element of program, technical and logistics support. The estimated cost is $680 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. Mexico has been a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations. The sale of these UH-60M helicopters to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations.

Mexico intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army architecture in its efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
 
The principal contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Company and General Electric Aircraft Company (GEAC). There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of an additional three U.S. Government and five contractor representatives in country full-time to support the delivery and training for approximately two years.
 
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.state.gov