Czech Republic approved for Viper, Black Hawk helicopter purchases

The U.S. State Department has approved two possible contracts with Czech Republic worth more than $1 billion for AH-1Z Viper and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sales for the Black Hawk and Viper helicopters and related equipment in foreign military sales last week.

The proposed sales will support the Czech Republic's "need for its own self-defense and support NATO defense goals," according to the agency. They also will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States "by improving the security of a Major Non-NATO ally which is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East," according to the agency.

The Czech Republic is considering the UH-60M or the UH-1Y/AH-1Z to replace its aging Mi-24 helicopters to modernize its armed forces and strengthen homeland defense and deter regional threats, DSCA said.

The nation wants to buy 12 Black Hawk helicopters at a cost of $800 million, along with 28 engines, 29 GPS systems, 24 machine guns, 114 advanced precision kill weapons systems and 15 common missile warning systems. Also included are weapons and ammunition, communications equipment, logistics and program support, and training.

Sikorsky Aircraft Company and General Electric Aircraft Company are the the principal contractors.

The UH-60M Blackhawk aircraft serves U.S. military and the armed forces of other countries worldwide as a tough and reliable utility helicopter.

"During the last 40 years, this remarkable aircraft has fought its way in and out of countless combat zones to deliver and extract troops, save lives as a MEDEVAC or casualty evacuation platform, provide critical supplies to troops, deliver emergency supplies during natural disasters, and perform as an aerial firefighter and border patroller," Lockheed Martin, the parent company of Sikorsky, said on its website.

The Czech Republic is also looking to buy four Viper helicopters, eight engines, eight GPS systems,14 Hellfire missiles and M197 20mm machine guns. Also included are communications equipment, logistics and program support, and training.

Bell Helicopter Textron and General Electric Company are the principal contractors.

The Viper, which is based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, was developed for the U.S. Marine Corps as part of the H-1 upgrade program. It first flew in 2000.

The AH-1Z Viper, unlike other attack helicopters, has integrated air-to-air strike capability as well as superior air-to-ground anti-armor performance.

"This capability set makes the AH-1Z the ideal platform to meet the requirements of land warfare scenarios in any of the potential hot spots around the world," Bell said of the rotorcraft.

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