The government of Thailand has requested a possible sale of two UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters for the Royal Thai Army with T-700 engines, two spare T-700 engines, M130 chaff dispenser, supply support arrangements (FMSO I/II), external stores support system, non-MDE guns, ammunition, 2.75 rocket pods, receivers, spare and repair parts, gun pods, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government quality assurance team (QAT), contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $90 million.
The Army Department has not completed the configuration requirements for Thailand'sUH-60L, e.g. the aircraft survivability equipment (ASE) suite. Once the configuration design for Thailand's UH-60L are completed, such as the ASE, communication group and etc., a formal notification under the provision of 36(b)(5) will be submitted.
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 which has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South East Asia.
This procurement will upgrade its air mobility capability and provide for the defense of vital installations and close air support for ground forces. Thailand will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.
The principle contractors will be United Technology, Sikorsky Aircraft of Stratford, Conn. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this sale will require the assignment of several U.S. government quality assurance teams to Thailand. There will be five contractor representatives for one week intervals twice annually to participate in program management and technical reviews. Additional requirement of mobile training team will be determined in joint negotiations as the program proceeds through the final stages.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
