Aircraft Have Been Deemed Excess Defense Articles By The U.S. Government

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress June 30 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Tunisia. The country wants to refurbish 12 SH-60F Multi-Mission Utility Helicopters being provided as Excess Defense Articles, and acquire the associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $282 million.

U.S. Navy SH-60F File Photo

The request also covers 29 T700-GE-401C engines (24 installed and 5 spares), inspections, spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for economic and military progress in North Africa.

This proposed sale would enhance the modernization of the Tunisian Air Force's over-water search and rescue capability and enable continued interoperability with U.S. Armed Forces and other coalition partners in the region. The proposed sale would further improve Tunisia's overall ability to perform humanitarian missions, search and rescue, medical evacuations, fire-fighting, and to maintain the integrity of its borders. Tunisia will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

FMI: www.dod.gov