The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified the US Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of four Bell 412EP helicopters to Argentina.
The USD80 million deal includes spare parts, tools, pilot and technical training, and getting the aircraft ready to be shipped to the South American country.
Argentina is actively looking for helicopters to reinforce Air Force stocks, including the recent purchase of two Bell 412EP units (one new and one second hand) through the Canadian Commercial Corporation for USD17 million, but Argentina's financial struggles are currently casting doubt on all proposed purchases.
COMMENT
Underscoring the doubt surrounding Argentina's proposed military acquisitions is the recent last-minute cancellation of a long-overdue contract to purchase a replacement for the now decommissioned fleet of ageing Dassault Mirage fighters, ostensibly due to political and financial issues, marked the end of the current government's chances to update the fleet and now it depends on the next elected government (a second round of elections is due on 22 November) to decide the future not only of the Air Force, but the whole Argentine Armed Forces.