The State Department has decided to approve a potential sale to the government of Greece of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment at an estimated cost of $1.95 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency today submitted the required certification, formally notifying Congress of this potential sale.

According to the LOA letter, the Government of Greece requested to purchase thirty-five UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Related equipment includes engines, missile warning systems, wireless communication systems, as well as training equipment and personnel training. The US government and the manufacturing company will provide engineering, technical and logistical support.

As noted, “this proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, helping to improve the security of a NATO ally that is an important partner for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

Furthermore, it is noted that “the proposed sale will replace Greece’s current fleet of multi-role helicopters with a more reliable and proven system that will allow Greece to maintain the appropriate level of readiness to conduct combined operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter will improve the Hellenic Army’s ability to deploy combat power to secure Greece’s borders, deter actions against its interests and, when required, respond with credible force. Greece will have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its Armed Forces.

Finally, it is reported that the proposed sale of this equipment will not change the basic military balance in the region. The prime contractor for the contract will be Sikorsky, a company owned by Lockheed Martin and headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut.