The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said it notified Congress recently of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Qatar, including 10 MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters and 12 MH-60S Seahawks with the armed helicopter modification kit, worth potentially $2.5 billion.
Along with the proposed helicopter sale, Qatar would like to buy 48 T-700 General Electric [GE] 401C engines (44 installed, 4 spare) with an option to purchase an additional six MH-60S Seahawk multi-mission helicopters with the armed helicopter modification kit and 13 T-700 GE 401C engines (12 installed, 1 spare) at a later date. The deal would also include communication equipment, spare engine containers and support equipment.
DSCA said in a statement the proposed sale of the MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters will help improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future anti-surface warfare threats.
Prime contractors for the proposed deal are Sikorsky Aircraft, a division of United Technologies Corp. [UTX], Lockheed Martin [LMT] and GE, according to DSCA. Sikorsky is providing the Defense Department with the helicopter airframe. Lockheed Martin provides the mission systems and sensors, such as the radar and common cockpit, while GE supplies the engines.
The MH-60R “Romeo” variant is considered the advanced variant. The deal is contingent on Congress’ approval.