Washington: The US State Department has approved the potential sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina, with an estimated total cost of $140 million. This move marks a significant development in the defense relationship between the two countries, aiming to bolster Argentina's security capabilities.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Government of Argentina has requested to purchase four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and two T700-GE-701D engines. The package also includes navigation and communication systems, auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue and cargo equipment, training devices, spare and repair parts, support equipment, and related logistics and technical support.

The proposed sale aligns with the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States. It is designed to enhance the security of Argentina, a major non-NATO ally, and to support political stability and economic progress in South America. The sale is expected to strengthen Argentina's ability to address various threats, including border security, transnational crime, and humanitarian or disaster response.

The principal contractor for the proposed sale is Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company. The statement from the US State Department noted that it was not aware of any offset agreements proposed concerning the potential sale. Any such agreement would be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. The implementation of the sale will not require additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to be assigned to Argentina.

The statement concluded by assuring that there will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.