Image: U.S. Air Force via DVIDS
The US Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Austria. The deal covers twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and a comprehensive systems package, as per a recent press statement. The estimated total value reaches $1.5 billion.
The package includes 26 T700-GE-701D engines and five AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems. Five Common Infrared Countermeasure systems and five AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers are also included. Austria has further requested 30 EAGLE-M+429 systems and 30 AN/ARC-231A VHF/UHF/Line-of-Sight (LOS) SATCOM radios.
Additional equipment spans laser detecting sets, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders, and MX-10D electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors with laser designators. The deal also covers LINK-16 small tactical terminals, M-134 mini-guns, ballistic armour protection systems, and a dedicated Black Hawk aircrew trainer.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company based in Jupiter, Florida, will serve as the principal contractor. Around 15 US government personnel and 15 contractor representatives will travel to Austria. Their role will encompass equipment fielding, system checkout, training, and logistics support.
The State Department assessed that the sale will strengthen Austria’s capacity to deter current and future threats. It will also improve interoperability between Austrian and coalition forces. Officials noted the deal advances US foreign policy objectives by bolstering a partner described as a stabilising presence in Europe.
Austria is not a NATO member but maintains close institutional ties with the alliance. The State Department confirmed the proposed sale will not adversely affect US defence readiness or alter the regional military balance.
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