Indian Navy Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk purchase not far off now

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/ ... EU20140925

Thu Sep 25, 2014 5:44pm EDT

(Reuters) - In a boost to U.S. weapons makers looking for ways to offset lower domestic military spending,
India is expected to choose Sikorsky Aircraft's S-70B Sea Hawk helicopters at a 16-aircraft tender worth over $1 billion.

The decision could come during a high-profile visit to the United States by new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that starts on Friday.

Sikorsky Aircraft, a unit of United Technologies Corp (UTX.N), declined comment on the potential helicopter order.

Sikorsy is expected to beat out NH Industries , a joint venture of Airbus, AgustaWestland and Fokker Aerostructures.

Those deals could in turn lay the groundwork for a much larger order of 123 helicopters for the Indian Navy,
said one of the sources, who was not authorized to speak publicly.