The US Department of State has given its approval for a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of three MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and related equipment to Denmark, in a deal estimated at $425m.
This FMS will help Denmark address present and future security challenges, with particular reference to safeguarding critical infrastructure, the State Department said in a 22 September notification.
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
In addition to the helicopters, Denmark seeks to procure a suite of associated systems and support, including eight embedded global positioning and navigation equipment and three digital magnetic anomaly detection systems.
The package also covers spare engines, secure radios, missile warning systems, advanced targeting equipment, electronic countermeasures, multi-mode radars, communications gear, spare parts, personnel training, logistics and technical support, as well as documentation and integration services.
The State Department said the proposed sale would support the foreign policy and security interests of the US by strengthening the defence of a Nato ally regarded as a contributor to political stability and economic development in Europe.
Denmark is already an operator of the MH-60R helicopter after buying nine MH-60R Seahawk helicopters in 2012. It received the final two aircraft from this deal in 2018.
The State Department said: “Denmark will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces as they are currently operating this aircraft.”
Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky are identified as the principal contractors for the potential deal.
The notice made no mention of an offset agreement at this time, noting that any such arrangements would be subject to future negotiations between Denmark and the contractors involved.
The US government added that implementation of this proposed sale would not require the deployment of additional US personnel to Denmark and asserted there would be “no adverse impact on US defence readiness” as a result of the transaction.
The authorisation for the MH-60R helicopters follows a previous US approval in June for Denmark to acquire Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and associated support.
