State approves $2.9B F-16 sale to Slovakia, $1.3B CH-47 buy for Spain

The State Department approved a trio of foreign military sales cases today, including an F-16 fighter aircraft sale to Slovakia and a CH-47 cargo helicopter purchase for Spain.

The approved sale to Slovakia is estimated to cost $2.9 billion and would include 14 F-16 Block 70/72 V configuration aircraft and associated equipment, as well as 30 AIM-120C7 air-to-air missiles, 100 AIM-9X air-to-air missiles, 150 guidance kits for Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs, 400 MK-82 or BLU-111 500-pound bomb bodies and 400 fuzes, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

"Slovakia intends for these aircraft to replace its current fleet of MiG-29s," DSCA states. "Slovakia's current fighters are not interoperable with U.S. forces or regional allies. Purchase of the F-16V will provide Slovakia with fourth generation fighter aircraft capability that is interoperable with the United States and NATO."

Meanwhile, the sale to Spain is estimated at $1.3 billion involving 17 CH-47F cargo helicopters and a host of associated parts and mission equipment, according to DSCA.

"The proposed sale of the CH-47F aircraft will improve Spain's heavy lift capability," the agency said. "Spain will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. Spain will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces."

The State Department also approved today a possible sale of MQ-9 Reaper contractor logistics support to the United Kingdom, according to DSCA. The sale is estimated to cost $500 million.