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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Mexico and Jordan are in line to possibly receive military equipment from the United States under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees FMS deals, said in required notifications to Congress that the helicopters and patrol boats sought would strengthen the security of the respective countries and serve U.S. national and foreign policy interests.

The proposed sales packages had also passed muster with the U.S. State Department, it added.

The proposed deal with Mexico is for three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The helicopters would be in standard U.S. government configuration with designated unique equipment. Included in the sales would be six T700-GE-701D engines, six H-764G embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation systems, six M134 7.62mm machine guns, three Star Safire III forward looking infrared radar systems, three mission planning systems, night vision goggles, and an aviation ground power unit.

"Mexico has been a strong partner in combating organized crime and drug trafficking organizations," DSCA told Congress. "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 proposed sale carries a value of an estimated $110 million. The principal contractors would be Sikorsky Aircraft Company and General Electric Aircraft Company.

In a separate sale, Jordan is seeking the possible sale of two coastal patrol boats in an arrangement worth a total $80 million.

Two MSI Defense Systems LTD SEAHAWK A2 DS30M-30mm gun weapon systems with MK44 Bushmaster cannons, 1,140 rounds of 30mm Target-Practice-Tracer ammunition, 4,020 rounds of 30mm high explosive incendiary with tracer ammunition, wound be included.

Also requested are: 60 rounds of 30mm inert dummy ammunition and two chaff systems, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

"It is vital to the U.S. national interest that Jordan develops and maintains a strong and ready self-defense capability and enhances its ability to protect its territorial waters," the agency said.

Jordan will have no difficulty absorbing these boats into its armed forces.

The principal contractor for the boats each would be about 149 feet long is still undetermined, DSCA said.

Two U.S. government or contactor representatives would be required to be in Jordan on an intermittent basis if the sale goes through.

*Upi