Department of Defense, memorandum for correspondents on possible military sale to Colombia, November 10, 1999

Department of Defense, memorandum for correspondents on possible military sale to Colombia, November 10, 1999

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
MEMORANDUM FOR CORRESPONDENTS
November 10, 1999

The Government of Colombia has requested a possible sale of 14 UH-60L BLACKHAWK helicopters (both armed and utility) with engines, two spare T700-GE-701C engines, 28 GAU-19 .50 caliber mini-gun, 28 GAU-17 7.62mm mini-gun, 14 M265 2.75 inch rocket pods, ammunition, spare and repair parts, tools and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Agreements, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $221 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been and continues to be an important force in the war on drugs.

The proposed sale will upgrade its anti-personnel and day/night mission capability, provide for the defense of vital installations, and provide close air support for ground forces. Colombia, which already has UH-60 model helicopters in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be United Technologies, Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Conn. There are no offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The number of U.S. Government personnel and contractor representatives required in-country to support the program will be determined in joint negotiations as the program proceeds through the development, production and equipment installation phases.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

As of March 13, 2000, this document is also available at http://www.usia.gov/regional/ar/colombia/dodmemo.htm