Brazil - UH-60L BLACK HAWK Helicopters

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Media/Public Contact
Lorna Jons (703) 604-6618
Transmittal No
08-92

WASHINGTON, September 29, 2008 ­ On September 26, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil of UH-60L BLACK HAWK Helicopters as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $525 million.

The Government of Brazil has requested a possible sale of 15 UH-60L BLACK HAWK helicopters with 30 T- 700-GE-701C engines, 2 spare T-700-GE-701C engines, external and internal fuel tanks, warranty, internal and external hoist kits, weather radar, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $525 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 friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

Brazil needs these aircraft to fulfill its strategic commitments for search and rescue and self-defense within the region without being dependent upon assistance from other countries. This procurement will upgrade its air mobility capability and provide for the defense of vital installations and close air support for ground forces. Brazil will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

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

The principal contractors will be: Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut and General Electric Engines of Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two contractor representatives to Brazil for a period of up to 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.

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