Qatar to Buy MH-60R and MH-60S Helicopters in a Possible $2.5 Billion Deal

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress June 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government Qatar 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. The estimated cost is $2.5 billion. 

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. 

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

The prime contractors will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut, Lockheed Martin in Owego, New York, and General Electric in Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. 

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of fifteen contractor representatives to Qatar on an intermittent basis over the life of the case to support delivery of the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters and provide support and equipment familiarization. 

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.