The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $145 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on September 8, 2014.

The Government of Brazil has requested a possible sale of 3 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters with 8 T-700-GE-701C engines (6 installed and 2 spares), 12 M-134 7.62mm Machine Guns, 8 H765GU Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $145 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of Brazil, which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

Brazil needs these aircraft to fulfill its strategic commitments for additional search and rescue and internal security capabilities. This procurement will upgrade its air mobility capability and provide for the defense of vital installations and close air support for ground forces. Brazil will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft (United Technologies) Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut; General Electric Engines in Lynn, Massachusetts; and Dillon Aero Systems in Mesa, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of one contractor representatives to Brazil for a period of up to three years to support the fielding, maintenance, and personnel training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA press release