The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters with Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.4 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered therequired certification notifying Congress of this possible sale Friday.

The Government of Israel has requested to buy up to eighteen (18) CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopters; up tosixty (60) T408-GE-400 Engines (54 installed, 6 spares); and up to thirty-six (36) Embedded GlobalPositioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (EGI) with Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module(SAASM). Also included is communication equipment; GAU-21 .50 caliber Machine Guns; MissionPlanning System; facilities study, design and construction; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment;publications and technical documentation; aircrew and maintenance training; U.S. Government and contractorengineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and programsupport. The total estimated cost is $3.4 billion.

The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israelto develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent withthose objectives.

The proposed sale will improve the Israeli Air Force’s capability to transport armored vehicles, personnel,and equipment to support distributed operations. Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent toregional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing thisequipment into its armed forces.

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

The prime contractors will be Lockheed Martin Global, Inc., Shelton, Connecticut; and General ElectricCompany, Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with thispotential sale. Any offset agreements will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and thecontractor(s).

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips by U.S. Government and contractor  representatives to participate in program and technical reviews. It will also require approximately four (4)contractor support representatives to reside in country for a period of three (3) years to support this program.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimatedquantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on finalrequirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.