The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Mexico for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment. The estimated sale price is US $1.075 billion (approx. A $1.56 billion).
Mexico has requested to buy 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters; 27 T700-GE-701D engines; 27 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems; and 27 AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 Very High Frequency (VHF)/Ultra High Frequency/line-of-sight satellite communication radios.
The following non-major defence equipment items will also be included: APX-128 identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader; KIV-79 common IFF cryptographic appliqué computers ; AN/ARN-147(V) VHF omni-directional range/instrument landing system receiver radio; AN/ARN 149(V) low frequency/automatic direction finder radio receiver; AN/ARN-153 tactical air navigation system receiver transmitter; and a RACC-209 radar altimeter.
The following will also be included: AN/ARC-220 high frequency radio; AN/AVS-6 night vision goggles; EBC-406HM emergency locator transmitter; RDR-7000 colour weather radar; MX-10D electro-optical/infrared with laser designator, illuminator, pointer/range finder/cabin viewer; engine inlet barrier filters; ballistic armour protection systems; internal auxiliary fuel tank systems; fast rope insertion extraction system; airframe mounted rescue hoist; rescue hoist equipment sets; country unique instrument panel; cockpit multi-function display; and Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System I.
It will also include: an upturned exhaust system; M-134 machine gun; helmets; transportation; organizational equipment; spare and repair parts; support equipment; tools and test equipment; technical data and publications; personnel training and training equipment; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale will assist with the modernisation of Mexico’s rotary-wing fleet and increase efficiency by consolidating helicopter types and expanding the existing UH-60M fleet.
In addition, the procurement will reinforce US-Mexico bilateral relations and strengthen Mexico’s capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations.
The principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, located in Stratford, Connecticut.
Implementation of this proposed sale will require 15 additional US Government or contractor representatives to travel to Mexico for an extended period for equipment de-processing and fielding, system checkout, training, and technical and logistics support.