The US State Department has cleared a $162 million sustainment contract covering items and services for Australian MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The contract will deliver defense equipment to the fleet in addition to a previous order valued at $89.8 million.

Similar to previous MH-60R deals between US and Australia, Lockheed Martin will serve as the prime contractor for the agreement.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States,” according to a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

“Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region.”

“It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”

The sale will continue the interoperability between Australia and the US in alignment with the US Navy’s MH-60R program.

The partnership will assist the two countries in maintaining mission readiness, bolstering homeland defense, and deterring regional threats.

Australian Seahawk Fleet
In September, the US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to deliver MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to the Royal Australian Navy.

The order builds on a previous $503.7 million agreement for 12 MH-60Rs.

The latest batch will add a third “Romeo” squadron to Australia’s Fleet Air Arm. It will be delivered between 2025 and 2026.