US approves possible $140 million sale of four Black Hawks to Argentina
The US Department of State has approved the possible sale to Argentina of four UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters and related equipment, with an estimated value of $140 million. The decision, which must still undergo a review period in the US Congress, was reported by MercoPress.
The Department of State sent notification of the possible contract to Congress on September 10 under number 26-79. Argentina requested four helicopters and two T700-GE-701D engines.
Contents of the possible contract
In addition to the helicopters and engines, the package is to include a rescue hoist, a Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System, a cargo hook, and a Bambi Bucket firefighting container. It also provides for identification transponders, high-frequency and very-high-frequency radios, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, spare parts, training equipment, and logistics support.
The principal contractor is to be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company based in Stratford, Connecticut. The notification states that there is no information on an offset agreement and that implementing the sale will not require the deployment of additional US personnel to Argentina.
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Stated use
The US side stated that the sale serves US foreign policy and national security goals, as it is intended to strengthen the security of a major non-NATO ally. The notification described Argentina as a factor of political stability and economic progress in South America.
The helicopters are planned to be used for border security, countering transnational crime, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. The Department of State also said that the possible transfer of the equipment would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would not harm US defense readiness.
US Ambassador to Buenos Aires Peter Lamelas wrote on X that the helicopters are to be delivered in refurbished condition and that deliveries will take place in stages. MercoPress notes that these details are absent from the official Department of State notification.
