Sweden to buy 15 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters for Afghanistan CSAR

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Sept. 29 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Sweden of 15 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters and associated parts, equipment and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $546 million. The Government of Sweden has requested a possible sale of 15 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters, 34 T700-GE-701D General Electric Engines (30 installed and 4 spares), 15 AN/AAR-57(V)3 Common Missile Warning Systems, AN/APR-39 Radar Signal Detecting Sets, AN/AVR-2B Laser Warning Sets, Aviation Mission Planning Station, transportable operations simulator, communications equipment, 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 $546M. 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 Europe. Swedish forces are currently deployed in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan. This sale will enable the Swedish Forces to address an urgent shortfall in Combat Search and Rescue and Medical Evacuation transport capability while in the area of operations. Sweden’s acquisition of these helicopters is consistent with recently adopted defense and modernization priorities focused on both international threats to Swedish security as well as regional threats to Swedish sovereignty. This proposed sale will contribute to Sweden’s need to expand its existing army architecture to rapidly deploy forces to counter territorial threats, or in support of coalition efforts in Afghanistan. The purchase of UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters will contribute to Sweden’s goal to update its capability while enhancing interoperability between Sweden, 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 contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut; and General Electric Aircraft Company in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of at least two contractor representatives to Sweden for a period of two years. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.