South Korea seeks Sikorsky helicopters

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WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports that South Korea is seeking acquisition of MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters.

The package deal under the Foreign Military Sale program would be worth an estimated $1 billion.

Involved would be eight Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. MH-60Rs; 18 T-700 GE 401C Engines (16 installed and two spares); communication equipment; electronic warfare systems; support equipment; spare engine containers; and spare and repair parts.

Personnel training, contractor support and other services would be included.

"The proposed sale of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter will improve South Korea's capability to meet current and future threats from enemy anti-surface warfare capabilities," the agency said in its notification to Congress. "The sale of these MH-60R helicopters will enhance interoperability with U.S. naval forces, and add to the military stability of the region."

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said prime contractors under sale would be Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Lockheed Martin and General Electric.