The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on February 1 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Australia of a 10-year Through-Life-Support (TLS) package for 24 MH-60R Romeo helicopters, and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of US$1.6 billion.
The request says the “Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of ten year Through-Life-Support (TLS) for (24) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters. The sustainment effort will include spare and repair parts provisioning, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.”
The ADF will soon decide between the MH-60R and the Eurocopter’s NH 90 NFH to replace the current S-70B Seahawks and the capability left vacant by the cancelled Seasprite program. The DSCA notification does not signal a decision to acquire the Romeo, but is a procedural process that clears the path for a possible Romeo acquisition should it be selected.
