US Approves $360M Upgrade for Australian MH-60R

02 September 2017

RAN MH-60R ASW helicopter (photo : RAN)

WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for an upgrade program for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters.  The estimated cost is $360 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 30, 2017.

The Government of Australia has requested a follow-on case for a possible ten-year upgrade program for twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated training devices, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, engineering and technical services, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), ECPs for training devices, classified software (JMPS/MDLs), Engineering Technical Assistance (ETA), Logistics Technical Assistance (LTA), Other Technical Assistance (OTA), supply support, support equipment, and other related elements of logistics and program support.  The total estimated program cost is $360 million.

This sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Western Pacific.  It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The proposed upgrades to the MH-60R helicopters will improve Australia’s antisubmarine and surface warfare capability, provide an improved search and rescue capability, enhance its anti-ship surveillance capability, and will help it carry out international commitments for transport, surveillance, and search and rescue operations with the United States and other allies.  The proposed upgrades will also provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its multi-mission helicopters.  Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

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

The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, CT and Lockheed Martin, Owego, NY.  There are no offsets proposed in connection with this potential sale.

(DSCA)