United States approves sale of 35 Black Hawk helicopters to Greece.

The United States has recently authorized a military agreement with Greece, which includes the delivery of 35 UH-60 M Black Hawk helicopters along with a variety of other military equipment, estimated at a value of $1.95 billion.

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The contract includes 35 UH-60 M model Black Hawk helicopters, as well as a range of additional armaments such as mini-guns, machine guns, and rockets (Picture source: US DoD)

The contract includes 35 UH-60 M model Black Hawk helicopters, as well as a range of additional armaments such as mini-guns, machine guns, and rockets. Advanced electronic equipment, training services, and logistical support are also part of the deal. The announcement was made by the United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which also designated Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, as the principal contractor for the agreement.

The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are expected to significantly improve the operational capacity and combat readiness of the Greek military. Unlike the older UH-1 helicopters, the Black Hawks are more resource-efficient and have been associated with fewer accidents. The Hellenic Army currently operates 64 Bell UH-1 helicopters, primarily for utility lift missions.

The UH-60 Black Hawk, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft, is a utility helicopter introduced in 1979 and still in service. This helicopter had its first flight on October 17, 1974, and more than 5,000 units have been produced since then. The UH-60M is an improved variant approved in 2001 to extend the service life of the UH-60 design into the 2020s. It incorporates upgraded T700-GE-701D engines, improved rotor blades, as well as state-of-the-art electronic instrumentation, flight controls, and aircraft navigation control. Production began in 2006, and after an initial operational evaluation, the U.S. Army approved full-rate production and a five-year contract for 1,227 helicopters in December 2007. The primary users of the Black Hawk include the United States Army, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and the Colombian Armed Forces. Developed from the Sikorsky S-70, it has spawned several variants, including the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk, Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk, and Mitsubishi H-60.

Air Recognition had previously covered the topic on October 11, 2023, revealing that Greece was considering acquiring up to 49 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters as part of a significant upgrade to its military aviation capabilities. This project aims to replace the aging fleet of UH-1 helicopters currently in service with the Hellenic Army.

According to Sikorsky, there is approximately a three-year wait between the finalization of order contracts and the first delivery. This timeframe may vary depending on the specific configurations Greece may request for the aircraft.

The agreement is part of Greece's broader defense strategy. Earlier this year, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias revealed plans for the nation to invest approximately €11.5 billion (about $12.62 billion) in its military capabilities over the next four years. This ambitious plan includes acquiring at least 20 F-35 fighter jets and upgrading 37 F-16 Block 50 aircraft. In addition to the helicopters, Greece has also procured expensive Rafale jets to replace the older Mirage 2000s. The country is also upgrading its American F-16 fleet to the V version. Last week, as reported by Navy Recognition on October 4, 2023, Greece launched its first frigate, named "Kimon," built by the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France, as part of its naval modernization.

The Greek military's enhancement plan also includes the purchase of three FDI-type frigates and 24 Rafael war jets from France, as well as upgrades to 83 more F-16 jets. These acquisitions are expected to significantly bolster the operational capacity of the Greek armed forces, as emphasized by the defense minister during a discussion on the newly formed government's policy program.