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World Aviation Defense & Security News - Saudi Arabia
 
 
Saudi Arabia procures 150 S-70 utility helicopters from Lockheed Martin
 
On May 22nd, the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) took major steps to enhance global security and stimulate economic progress in the United States and the Middle East. KSA has expressed its intent to procure more than $28 billion worth of Lockheed Martin integrated air and missile defense, combat ship, tactical aircraft and rotary wing technologies and programs. The agreement includes $6 bn deal for around 150 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters.
     
The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter assembled by Lockheed subsidiary, PZL Mielec, in Poland
(Credit: Lockheed Martin)
     
"At Lockheed Martin, we are proud to be part of this historic announcement that will strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Marillyn Hewson. "We are especially proud of how our broad portfolio of advanced global security products and technologies will enhance national security in Saudi Arabia, strengthen the cause of peace in the region, and provide the foundation for job creation and economic prosperity in the U.S. and in the Kingdom. These agreements will directly contribute to His Majesty's Vision 2030 by opening the door for thousands of highly skilled jobs in new economic sectors."


Lockheed Martin and the KSA-based company Taqnia signed a Letter of Intent to form a joint venture to support final assembly and completion of an estimated 150 S-70 Black Hawk utility helicopters for the Saudi government.

The program supports work for more than 450 U.S. jobs including in Connecticut at Sikorsky and throughout the U. S. supply chain and also supports KSA's Vision 2030 by creating an additional 450 jobs in the Kingdom, developing local capabilities through technology and skills transfer, thus enhancing the U.S.-Saudi global security partnership, Lockheed said in an announcement.

Lockheed Martin's S-70 is the export model of the well-known UH-60 Black Hawk medium-lift multirole helicopter. The S-70 airframe and systems are virtually identical to the UH-60M model, which features improved design wide chord rotor blades, T700-GE-701D engines, improved durability gearbox, Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) computer, and new glass cockpit.