The Government of Qatar has requested a possible sale of 10 MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, 12 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit, 48 T-700 GE 401C Engines (44 installed and 4 spare) with an option to purchase an additional 6 MH-60S SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters with the Armed Helicopter Modification Kit and 13 T-700 GE 401C Engines (12 installed and 1 spare) at a later date, communication equipment, spare engine containers, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $2.5 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political and economic progress in the Middle East. Qatar is a strategic partner in maintaining stability in the region. The acquisition of these helicopters will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives.
The proposed sale of the MH-60R and MH-60S SEAHAWK helicopters will improve Qatar's capability to meet current and future anti-surface warfare threats. Qatar will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense.
The MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters will supplement and eventually replace the Qatar Air Force's aging maritime patrol helicopters. Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its Armed Forces.
Source: DSCA
