Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The administration of President Barack Obama has approved a Tunisian request for U.S. military helicopters.

Under the request, expected to be approved by Congress, Tunisia would receive 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in a sale estimated at $700 million.

“The proposed sale will improve Tunisia’s capability to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense, as well as support counter-terrorism operations,” the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

In a statement on July 24, the Pentagon agency said the Tunisian request was relayed to Congress during the previous day. The agency said the Black Hawks would be equipped with 100 AGM-114R Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, Hydra-70 rocket pods, infrared laser designators, night-vision goggles.

“The sale of these UH-60 helicopters will bolster Tunisia’s ability to provide border patrol, rapid reaction, and field expedient medical evacuation for its air and ground forces in counter-terrorism and border security operations,” DSCA said.

The prime contractor has been identified as Sikorsky Aircraft, manufacturer of the Black Hawk. Another key contractor would be General Electric, slated to supply the aircraft engines.

“There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale,” DSCA said. “Implementation of this proposed sale may require the assignment of an additional three U.S. government and five contractor representatives in Tunisia to support the delivery and training for approximately two-five years.”

  AGM-114R Hellfire, DSCA, Tunisia to get 12 U.S. Black Hawk helicopters in counter-terror deal, UH-60M Black Hawk