Pentagon monitoring Sikorsky future

Sikorsky's Black Hawk is a Pentagon work horse.

Sikorsky’s Black Hawk is a Pentagon work horse.

When United Technologies announced last week it might put Sikorsky Aircraft up for sale or spin it off, the Pentagon was silent.

 

Carlin Woog, deputy assistant for communications to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, offered a standard “no comment’’ as officials absorbed the news that the manufacturer of its signature Black Hawk helicopter might soon be part of a new corporate structure.

 

One such official was Frank Kendall, DOD undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logistics. Asked by reporters about Sikorsky after a Bloomberg Government panel discussion, Kendall responded: “At this point, based on what I know about that deal, I’m neutral about it. It should not impact us (DOD) as far as cost or rates are concerned.’’

 

The quote, among other things, suggests the Pentagon expects Sikorsky to be around for a while, regardless of whether it is sold or spun off.

 

 

Daniel Freedman