Qatar has asked to purchase 22 new Sikorsky Sea Hawk helicopters from the United States at a cost of $2.5 billion, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (pdf).

Just two weeks earlier, Qatar sought a $1.1 billion deal for 12 Black Hawk helicopters.

Once delivered, the new Sea Hawks would “improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future anti-surface warfare threats” as well as “strengthen its homeland defense,” according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) statement.

The deal also includes the option of buying six more Sea Hawks. The new choppers are apparently meant to replace Qatar’s current, if older fleet of maritime helicopters.

The DSCA statement adds:

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force forpolitical and economic progress in the Middle East.

Qatar is a strategic partner in maintaining stability in the region. The acquisition of these helicopters will allow for greater interoperability with U.S. forces, providing benefits for training and possible future coalition operations in support of shared regional security objectives.”

What do you think of the deal?

Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released