The Czech Republic is looking to update its fleet of military aircraft with a State Department approved $575 million deal for the delivery of twelve Bell Helicopter UH-1Y utility helicopters.
The Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on Oct. 11 of the foreign military sale (FMS), which includes the UH-1Y helicopters, as well as 25 of General Electric’s [GE] T-700 401c engines, thirteen Honeywell [HON] GPS systems and twelve M240 machine guns.
Photo: Bell Helicopter
“The Czech Republic intends to use these helicopters to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats. This will contribute to the Czech Republic’s military goal of updating its capabilities while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other NATO allies,” a State Department official said in a statement.
Under the proposed FMS, the Czech government also requested FLIR Systems [FLIR] Brite Star II multi-sensor targeting system, aircraft survivability equipment, missile warning and laser detection systems, helmet-mounted displays and electronic warfare equipment. The prime contractors, Bell and GE, will also provide technical equipment, logistical support and engineering services.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO partner that is an important force for ensuring peace and stability in Europe,” the State Department said in its statement.
Bell’s UH-1Y is a tactical utility helicopter used by the Marine Corps designed to operate in harsh environments. Bell is a division of Textron, Inc. [TXT].