US Approves $360 million Upgrade to Australia’s MH-60R Helicopters

The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia for an upgrade program for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters costing $360 million.

Australia has requested a follow-on ten-year upgrade program for twenty-four (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated training devices, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, engineering and technical services.

The proposed upgrades to the MH-60R helicopters will improve Australia’s antisubmarine and surface warfare capability, provide an improved search and rescue capability, enhance its anti-ship surveillance capability, and will help it carry out international commitments for transport, surveillance, and search and rescue operations with the United States and other allies.

The proposed upgrades will also provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its multi-mission helicopters.  Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, Stratford, CT and Lockheed Martin, Owego, NY.  There are no offsets proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on August 30, 2017.