Colombia to buy 9 Black Hawks Helicopters for $162 million

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Colombia of 9 UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $162 million. The Government of Colombia has requested a possible sale of 9 UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopters (1 for Colombian Air Force, 4 for Colombian National Police, 4 for Colombian Army), 18 T700-GE-701D General Electric Engines, warranty, internal fuel tanks, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $162 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, which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America. Colombia intends to use these helicopters to modernize its armed forces. The Colombian Air Force intends to expand its existing medical evacuation architecture to expedite movement of injured personnel from combat zones. The Colombian National Police will expand its existing utility helicopter defense architecture and counter threats posed by narco-terrorist elements within Colombia. The purchase of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters will contribute to Colombia’s goal to update its capability while enhancing interoperability between Colombia, the U.S., and other allies. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require U.S. Government or contractor representatives to travel to Colombia for a period of 8 weeks for equipment deprocessing/fielding, system checkout and new equipment training.