Australia requests MH-60R upgrade
The US State Department has approved a potential foreign military sale for an Australian MH-60R helicopter upgrade programme, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 31 August.
In a package worth USD$360 million, Australia has requested a ten-year upgrade programme for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and associated training devices.
Supporting equipment including spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, engineering and technical services and logistics support are also included in the request.
The potential package also includes engineering change proposals for training devices, classified software, engineering technical assistance, logistics technical assistance, support equipment and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The upgraded helicopters will improve Australia’s anti-submarine and surface warfare capability, provide an improved search and rescue capability and enhance anti-ship surveillance capabilities.
If the deal goes ahead, Sikorsky will be the prime contractor.
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