The US Department of State (DoS) has approved a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Argentina for four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment at an estimated total cost of $140 million
The Government of Argentina has requested to buy four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and two T700-GE-701D engines. Also included in the request are non-major defense equipment items: single or dual attitude heading reference system; APX-100 identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder; APX-123 IFF transponder; AN/ARN-123 or AN/ARN-147 visual omnirange/instrument landing system receiver; AN/ARN-89 or AN/ARN-149 automatic direction finder radio receiver; AN/ARC-220 high-frequency radio; ARC-186 very high frequency radio; Garmin GTN-750 global positioning system; Cobham C-5000 multiband radio; EBC 406HM emergency locator transmitter; internal auxiliary fuel tank systems; fast rope insertion extraction system; rescue hoist; rescue hoist equipment sets; cargo hook; Bambi bucket; maintenance and aircrew training devices/software; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; US Government and contractor engineering; technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The request for rescue hoists and firefighting equipment indicates that the aircraft are planned to be used for a range of special missions.
US officials said: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the USA by improving the security of a major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in South America.
“The proposed sale will improve Argentina’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the additional capacity to conduct border security, counter-transnational crime, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.”
The US DoS concluded: “Argentina will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces, and the proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
Regarding the announcement, Peter Lamelas, US Ambassador to Argentina, said: “Argentina will receive refurbished Black Hawk helicopters in staggered deliveries, starting with four units, to strengthen defense and respond to emergencies. It is not just about equipment; it is about arriving on time and saving lives. We continue working alongside Argentina to help build a stronger, safer country.”
The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, located in Stratford, Connecticut.
Avincis plans on increasing its ability to combat wildfires with the intent to purchase five McDermott 214ST helicopters.
