State approves helo equipment FMS to Israel

The State Department has approved a potential $300 million foreign military sale of excess SH-60F Sea-Hawk Helicopter equipment and support to Israel.

According to a July 6 State Department press release, Israel wants to procure 12 engines (10 of them installed), eight radar altimeters, eight global positioning systems, eight HF radios and eight internal auxiliary fuel tanks, along with other pieces of equipment. The proposed sale also includes spares and repair parts, support and test equipment and other support elements, the release states.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale on July 5.

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic regional partner, which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” according to the press release.

These parts will supplement a separate sale of eight SH-60F Sea Hawk Helicopters airframes to Israel. These helicopters will be used aboard Israel's four new frigates to patrol and guard the Leviathan Natural Gas Field, the release states.

The principal contractors in the deal will be Science and Engineering Services and General Electric.

“The SH-60F Sea-Hawk Helicopters along with the parts, systems and support enumerated in this notification will provide the capability to perform troop/transport deployment, communications relay, gunfire support and search and rescue,” according to the release. “Secondary missions include vertical replenishment, combat search and rescue and humanitarian missions. Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.”