USA-Swedish Helicopter Acquisition & Licensing Agreement
Preamble
The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”),
Recognizing the importance of mutual cooperation in defense and aerospace technology;
Desiring to enhance the defense capabilities of Sweden through the acquisition and domestic production of rotary-wing aircraft;
Wishing to facilitate the transfer of technology in a manner consistent with their respective laws, regulations, and international obligations;
Have agreed as follows:
Article I: Sale of Aircraft
- The Government of the United States, through its authorized agencies and in cooperation with Bell Helicopter Inc., agrees to sell to the Government of the Kingdom of Sweden twelve (12) Bell 204B helicopters, including associated spare parts, support equipment, technical manuals, and training packages for a total cost of $3,960,000.
- The sale shall be conducted under the terms and conditions of the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program or as otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties.
Article II: Licensing for Domestic Production
- The United States shall authorize Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. to grant a production license for the Bell 204B helicopter to a Swedish consortium composed of the Swedish Government, SAAB AB, and Volvo AB (hereinafter referred to as “the Consortium”).
- The license shall permit the Consortium to: a. Manufacture components and assemble complete aircraft domestically; b. Modify the design for Sweden’s specific operational needs, subject to prior written approval by Bell Helicopter Inc. and the United States Government.
- The total cost for the licensing agreement will be $16,500,000.
- The United States Government shall retain the right to review and approve any sublicensing, technology transfer, or export of the domestically produced version of the Bell 204B to third parties.
Article III: Intellectual Property and Technology Safeguards
- All intellectual property related to the Bell 204B remains the property of Bell Helicopter Inc. and is protected under United States law and relevant international treaties.
- The Consortium (the Swedish government, SAAB, and Volvo Flygmotor) agrees to implement strict measures to safeguard proprietary information and technical data received under this treaty.
- Any transfer of classified or controlled information shall be governed by a separate security agreement to be concluded between the Parties.
Article IV: Oversight and Compliance
- The Parties shall establish a Joint Oversight Committee composed of representatives from the United States Department of Defense, the Swedish Ministry of Defence, and other relevant agencies.
- This Committee shall monitor implementation of this treaty, resolve any disputes arising from its execution, and recommend amendments as needed.
Article V: Entry into Force, Duration, and Termination
- This Treaty shall enter into force upon the exchange of diplomatic notes confirming the completion of all domestic legal requirements by both Parties.
- The Treaty shall remain in force in perpetuity, unless cancelled by mutual written agreement.
- Either Party may terminate this Treaty upon twelve (12) months’ written notice to the other Party. Termination shall not affect obligations incurred or licenses granted prior to the date of termination.
In Witness Whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Treaty.
Done in Washington, D.C., on this 10th day of March 1961, in duplicate, in the English and Swedish languages, both texts being equally authentic.
