South Korea requests eight MH-60R in $1 Billion package

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Korea for eight MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.0 billion.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of eight MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, 18 T-700 GE 401C Engines (16 installed and 2 spares), communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, support equipment, spare engine containers, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $1.0 billion.

The Government of the Republic of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

The proposed sale of the MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopter will improve South Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats from enemy Anti-Surface Warfare (ASW) capabilities. The sale of these MH-60R helicopters will enhance interoperability with U.S. Naval forces, and add to the military stability of the region. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

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

The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut; Lockheed Martin in Owego, New York; and General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Korea involving U.S. Government or contractor representatives on a temporary basis for program and technical support, and management oversight.

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.



Source: 18 May 2012 (www.helihub.com)

Photo: The Republic of Korea MH-60R SeaHawk Multi-Mission Helicopters (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Walter M. Wayman/Release)

(20.05.2012)