News - Middle East: The United States has approved the sale of a dozen attack helicopters and an electronic warfare plane to Australia, as part of a deal worth around $1.3 billion.

The State Department said on Friday it had approved the sale of 12 Sikorsky Romeo Seahawk helicopters to Australia, which is “one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific.”
The deal, running from 2025 to 2031, is valued at $1 billion to $1.5 billion.

Australia also asked to purchase a Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic warfare plane and the US agreed, it said.

"The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region,” said the department.

“It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” it added.

The Sikorsky Romeo Seahawk helicopter is a multi-mission aircraft that can be deployed on a ship for operations against surface vessels or submarines, but also for rescue, refueling or transport purposes.

Australia already has 24 Seahawk helicopters and around 10 Growler planes.

The deal comes as part of a recently formed alliance between Australia, the US and Britain, dubbed AUKUS.