The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) worth an estimated $2.3bn to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and a wide array of associated equipment and services.
The proposed deal now awaits approval from the US Congress.
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Norway’s request also includes 46 T700-GE-701D engines, more than 100 communications radios, navigation equipment and M240H machine guns, alongside other weapons.
The package also covers survivability systems, including 25 Common Infrared Countermeasures and 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 25 AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receiver, 50 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded Global Positioning Systems/Inertial Navigation Systems and others.
In addition, the sale would supply a range of mission kits such as fast rope extraction systems, rescue hoists, medical evacuation provisions, and winterisation components tailored to Norway’s operational requirements.
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division would serve as the principal contractor for the procurement.
The US Government noted that, at this stage, there are no offset agreements associated with the transaction, although such arrangements could be discussed in further negotiations between Norway and the contractor.
Implementation of the sale is expected to involve approximately 15 US Government and 15 contractor personnel travelling to Norway for extended periods, providing equipment handover, fielding, system checks, and a comprehensive training and support package.
US officials said the proposed transfer would support American foreign policy and national security objectives by reinforcing the capability of a Nato partner considered “a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
The deal aims to improve Norway’s ability to address both current and future threats and strengthen interoperability with US and allied forces in the region.
The State Department said the transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse effect on US defence readiness.
The UH-60M is the newest version of the Black Hawk helicopter. The UH-60 Black Hawk is a multi-role Sikorsky helicopter that has been in service with the US Army since 1978. Export models are designated S-70A.
The approval for the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters comes after a decision by the US State Department in July last year to authorise a potential $2.6bn FMS of HH-60W Jolly Green II combat search and rescue helicopters and related equipment to Norway.
