Australia requests helicopter support

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Australia is seeking a 10-year Through-Life-Support arrangement from the United States for 24 MH-60R helicopters.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its notification to Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia, said the arrangement would include provisions of associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.6 billion.

Australia in July had requested the sale of 24 MH-60Rs, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, for $2.1 billion.

"The proposed sale will provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its 24 MH-60R helicopters," DSCA said. "Australia, which already has S-70B helicopters in its inventory, will have no difficulty performing the actions necessary to properly sustain these additional helicopters.

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

The principal contractors would be Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. of Stratford, Conn.; Lockheed Martin of Owego, N.Y.; GE of Lynn, Mass.; and the Raytheon Corp. of Portsmouth, R.I.