State Department okays helicopter deal for Mexico

The U.S. State Department has signed off on a possible sale of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Mexico and associated equipment and support.

The proposed Foreign Military Sales package, reported to Congress by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, would be worth $680 million.

"The sale of these UH-60M helicopters to Mexico will significantly increase and strengthen its capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations," the agency said. "Mexico intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army architecture in its efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations."

Included in the proposed sales package are 18 Sikorsky Aircraft UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters with designated unique equipment; 40 T700-GE-701D engines; 42 embedded global positioning systems/inertial navigation systems; 36 M134 7.62mm machine guns; and aviation mission planning systems.

Communication security equipment -- including AN/ARC-210 RT-8100 series radios -- Identification Friend or Foe systems, facility construction, spare and repair parts and support equipment, and logistics support would also be part of the deal.

Sikorsky Aircraft and General Electric Aircraft Company would be principal contractors.