With final proposals now with government, the project office will have a lot of work to do while the world of politics goes into election mode.
But it is interesting to note that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress July 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.
"The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission Helicopters, 60 T-700 GE 401C Engines (48 installed and 12 spares), communication equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.
"The estimated cost is $2.1 billion."
When ADM asked the Department of Defence for a comment on the issue of how many of these requests has resulted in an acquisition, we received the following response:
"Defence is attempting to gather data on this matter and will respond direct to Ms Ziesing when it is available.
"By way of background, the 07 July 2010 Congressional Notification in relation to a possible sale of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to Australia is a standard part of the United States Foreign Military Sales process required by the US Arms Export Control Act.
"Section 36 of the Act requires US Congressional Notification for any potential third-party transfer requests that involve defence articles and services with original acquisition values exceeding USD$25 million if the recipient is a member of NATO, Australia, Japan, New Zealand or Republic of Korea."