UH-60L Blackhawks to Colombia
In July 2005, the US DSCA announced requests from Colombia and Thailand for Sikorsky’s UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters as well as associated equipment and services. The total value of these contracts, if all options are exercised, was $146 million – but that number has grown with subsequent requests.
Colombia
Sept 27/06: The US DSCA announces Colombia’s request for 15 UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with engines, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $303 million.
The principal contractors will be: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut and General Electric of Lynn, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Colombia. DSCA announcement [PDF].
Oct 14/05: The US DSCA announces Colombia’s request for 2 UH-60L MEDEVAC Black Hawk helicopters with T700-GE-701C or 401C engines, spare and repair parts, communications and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $43 million. DSCA announcement [PDF].
July 22/05: The Government of Colombia has requested a possible sale of 8 UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters with engines, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost if all options are exercised is $100 million. These helicopters will be used to pinpoint and destroy FARC and other narco-terrorists identified and operating within Colombia.
The proposed sale will upgrade Colombia’s anti-personnel and day/night mission capability, provide for the defense of vital installations, and provide close air support for ground forces. Colombia already has UH-60 model helicopters in its inventory.
The principal contractors will be United Technologies; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, CT; and General Electric of Lynn, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed, and implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Colombia. DSCA announcement [PDF].
UPDATE: On June 20/07, Sikorsky announced a Letter of Offer and Acceptance by the government of Colombia to acquire 15 Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S. Army plus spares, support, and training, in a $225 million sale. There are no Sikorsky announcements concerning the other 10 helicopters requested.
