Qatar seeks UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from US

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a possible sale of 12 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters, 26 T700-GE-701D engines and 15 AN/AAR-57 V(7) common missile warning systems to Qatar.

The estimated $1.112bn foreign military sale (FMS) programme also includes 15 AN/APR-39A(V)4 radar signal detecting sets, 15 AN/AVR-2B laser detecting sets, 26 M240H machine guns, and 26 AN/AVS-6 night vision goggles.

The proposed package includes M206 infrared countermeasure flares, M211 and M212 advanced infrared countermeasure munitions (AIRCM) flares, M134D-H machine guns, system integration and air worthiness certification, simulators, generators, transportation, wheeled vehicles and organisation equipment, as well as spare and repair parts.

Additional support requested along with the sale, includes support equipment, tools and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical and logistics support services as well as other logistics support related elements.

The potential sale of UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters is expected to boost Qatar’s capability to meet existing and evolving threats.

In addition to providing security for significant national events as well as critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, the capability will used be used by Qatar to strengthen its homeland defence.

Sikorsky Aircraft and General Electric Aircraft will serve as prime contractors.

Under the sale, Qatar has also sought for a Technical Assistance Fielding Team for in-country pilot and maintenance training.

Powered by new the General Electric T700-GE-701D engine, UH-60M helicopter features fuselage and advanced infrared suppression as well as wide chord composite spar main rotor blades.