The State Department approved a possible $80 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) request to Argentina for Bell Helicopter [TXT] 412EP helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on Nov. 17.
The requested FMS would include four Bell 412EP Helicopters, Bell 412EP Helicopter major components, spare parts, tools, publications, pilot and maintenance training, preparation of the aircraft for shipment, ground support equipment, and U.S. government technical assistance.
The prime contractor for the sale would be Bell, requested as a sole source manufacturer.
Argentina would use the helicopters for search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, peacekeeping support, scientific operations in the Antarctic, and other missions, DSCA said.
The agency also highlighted the sale would “provide additional opportunities for bilateral engagements and further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the United States and Argentina.”
It was unknown by the time of notification is implementation of the sale would require U.S. government or contractor representatives to travel to Argentina.