Greece approves purchase of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from US.

On April 3rd, 2024, the Greek government officially sanctioned the acquisition of 35 UH-60M Blackhawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin Corp, a leading U.S. defense contractor. This decision, ratified by the parliamentary committee, involves a financial commitment of 1.15 billion euros ($1.24 billion). This procurement aligns with Greece’s ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces and enhance national security.
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UH-60M Black Hawk multi-mission helicopter (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The Greek government disclosed this approval following a parliamentary committee decision, revealing an investment of 1.15 billion euros ($1.24 billion) in this fleet of helicopters. This strategic decision comes after preliminary discussions revealed last October, where Greece was considering purchasing up to 49 UH-60M Blackhawks to replace its aging Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, operated by the land forces.

The acquisition process, conducted through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, was marked by swift approval from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), highlighting the strategic importance of this partnership. The DSCA emphasized that this sale "will enable Greece to replace its fleet of multi-purpose helicopters with a more reliable and proven system," underscoring the significant improvement these aircraft will bring to Greece’s capability to protect its borders and respond forcefully if necessary.

The purchase of the Black Hawks by Greece also includes a two-year support and maintenance contract, ensuring a smooth transition to the use of these new aircraft. The choice of Sikorsky’s UH-60M model, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is due to the Greek military’s desire to streamline the operational maintenance of its helicopters, as the Blackhawks share the same engines as the AH-64 and MH-60 Romeo already in service.

The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are expected to significantly improve the Greek military's operational capacity and combat readiness. Unlike the older UH-1 helicopters, the Black Hawks are more resource-efficient and have been associated with fewer accidents. The Hellenic Army 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. It has spawned several variants developed from the Sikorsky S-70, including the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk, Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk, and Mubishi Hits-60.

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.