The US State Department has approved the sale of MH-60R sustainment items and services to Australia for an estimated cost of US$162 million.
"The Government of Australia has requested to buy additional non-MDE MH-60R sustainment items and services that will be added to a previously implemented case. The original FMS case, valued at $89.8 million, included MH-60R sustainment. The estimated total cost is $162 million," the State Department said.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
"The proposed sale will continue Australia’s capability to interoperate with U.S. forces by maintaining alignment with the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R program and maintain mission readiness to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and services into its armed forces."
In September, the US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to produce an additional 12 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the RAN. The new aircraft will add a third ‘Romeo’ squadron to the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm.
Sikorsky Aircraft Australia (a Lockheed Martin company) in Nowra, New South Wales, currently provides depot level maintenance, supply support and logistics support for Australia’s MH-60R helicopter fleet.