10:56 GMT, October 29, 2009 defpro.com | The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on 26 October 2009 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Morocco of three CH-47D CHINOOK helicopters and associated parts, equipment and logistical support for an estimated cost of $134 million.

The Government of Morocco has requested a possible sale of three CH-47D CHINOOK helicopters with 6 (2 per helicopter) T55-GA-714A Turbine engines, 2 spare T-55-GA-714A Turbine engines, 4 AN/ARC-201E Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), mission equipment, communication and navigation equipment, ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, special tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, site survey, U.S. government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support.

According to the DSCA, this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major Non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for the political stability and economic progress in Africa.

The DSCA further explains that Morocco needs these helicopters to improve its capability to meet current and future needs for humanitarian missions. Delivery of these helicopters will make it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company in Philadelphia, PA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

(The above article is an abstract of the official DSCA press release by defpro.com)