Pentagon officials say Washington is set to sell six Lakota military helicopters to Thailand worth an estimated 77 million dollars.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on Friday informed the US Congress of a request made by the Thai government to buy the UH-72A helicopters.
Å“Thailand is a valued defense ally of the United States,” said Pentagon spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Catherine Wilkinson, confirming the planned sale.
Aerospace corporation EADS North America is the main contractor for the deal.
Å“This proposed sale will contribute to Thailand’s goal to upgrade and modernize its military forces with a new light utility helicopter capable of meeting requirements for rotary-wing transportation, while further enhancing greater interoperability between Thailand the US, and among other allies,” the defense cooperation agency said in a statement.
The US National Guard usually employs Lakota aircraft for emergency response missions and border security.
The sale could set the stage for bigger arms deals as Washington tries to shift its strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region. American defense companies also want to take advantage of increased military spending in the area.
The contract comes after former US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta inked a joint Å“vision” statement with his Thai counterpart in the Southeast Asian country. Bangkok and Washington have also vowed to renew their military ties which date back to the 1950s.
MR/HN
This article originally appeared on: Press TV