The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom of 16 Extended Range H-47 Chinooks, worth an estimated $3.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the certification notifying Congress of the possible sale Oct. 19.
“The United Kingdom is a close NATO ally and an important partner on critical foreign policy and defense issues,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release announcing the approval. “The proposed sale will enhance U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the United Kingdom’s capabilities to provide national defense and contribute to NATO and coalition operations.
“The proposed sale will improve the United Kingdom’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing a heavy lift rotary-wing capability able to execute missions in extreme environments across a full range of military operations. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.”