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| The budget would be enough to procure between 18 to 20 TH-73A training helicopters for PAF and PN (photo: Leonardo) |
WASHINGTON - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of TH-73A Training Helicopters and Support for an estimated cost of $120 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy the following defense articles and services: TH-73A training helicopters; aircraft simulator; spare engines; pack up kits; fuel tanks; aircraft hoists and lifts; commercial avionics; commercial flight management systems; commercial Global Positioning Systems; shipping containers; support and test equipment; consumables and accessories; integration and test support; repair and return support; spare and repair parts; unclassified software delivery and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and commercial training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, logistics, and transportation support services, including in-country representative support; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $120 million.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in Southeast Asia.
The proposed sale will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing an aircraft platform that will serve as the primary method of improving pilot training and skills, thus helping to ensure the development of a proficient rotary wing aviator corps. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation (Leonardo), located in Philadelphia, PA. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
(DSCA)