The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina for approximately $140 million.
The Argentine government also requested two T700-GE-701D engines as part of the package. The proposal includes auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue and cargo equipment, navigation and communications systems, training equipment, spare and repair parts, and logistical and technical support.
Washington’s rationale for the sale
The US Department of State said the possible sale would support US foreign policy goals and national security objectives. The department said the sale could contribute to the security of a non-NATO ally considered important to political stability and economic progress in South America.
According to the statement, the helicopters and related equipment could strengthen Argentina’s capacity to secure its borders and combat transnational crime. It said the systems could be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as against existing and future threats.
Contractor and offset agreement
Sikorsky, which operates under Lockheed Martin, will be the prime contractor for the possible sale. The US government said it was not aware of any proposed offset agreement as part of the transaction.
It said that, if an offset agreement exists, it would be determined through negotiations between the buyer and the contractor. No additional representatives from the US government or the contractor would need to be sent to Argentina to implement the sale.
The US Department of State also said the possible sale would not adversely affect US defense readiness.
