...if Congress Approves the Sale

On 24 September 2003, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Pakistan of Bell 407 Helicopters as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $97 million.

The Government of Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 40 Bell 407 helicopters with commercial avionics package, support equipment, spare/repair parts, publications/technical data, personnel training/equipment, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $97 million.

They Want Them for US, of Course.

This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security of the United States by providing Pakistan increased technological capacity to support the U.S. Government Operation Enduring Freedom efforts.

The proposed sale of Bell helicopters will have a significant impact on Pakistan’s ability to secure its borders. At the same time, this technology poses no threat to the balance of power in the region. This proposed sale will have a dramatic impact on Pakistan’s ability to support U.S. objectives in the Global War on Terror. The terrain along Pakistan’s border is extremely rugged and difficult to secure. Its dense mountainous regions, rugged terrain and vast borders make it virtually impossible to secure without the mobility provided by aviation assets. Vehicle support is limited to utility trucks, and there is limited cross-country capability. The lack of mobility for observation, transportation and interdiction seriously limits Pakistan’s ability to stop border-crossing violations.

The addition of U.S. provided helicopters would add the following capabilities required for anti-terrorist and border security operations: (1) observation platforms to better patrol the mountainous border region, and (2) transportation platforms to move personnel to areas of suspected infiltrations.

Good News: No 'Offsets!'

The prime contractor will be Bell Helicopter of Fort Worth (TX). There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of a contractor representative in Pakistan for 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; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

FMI: www.state.gov; 407 site