Article Posted on : - Jul 07, 2010

SH-60F Multi-Mission Utility Helicopters. A file photo

WASHINGTON (BNS): US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has planned a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Tunisia for the refurbishment of its 12 SH-60F multi-mission utility helicopters.

The estimated cost of the sale is of $282 million.

Under the proposed sale, Tunisia will get the Excess Defense Articles, 29 T700-GE-401C engines (24 installed and 5 spares), inspections, spare & repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training & training equipment, publications & technical data, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services and other related elements of logistics support.

The SH-60F multi-mission utility helicopters sale would enhance the modernisation of the Tunisian Air Force’s overwater search and rescue capability and enable continued interoperability with US Armed Forces and other coalition partners in the region.

It will also help the country to improve its overall ability to perform humanitarian missions, search and rescue, medical evacuations, fire-fighting. It will also use the helicopters for its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.