The United States Department of State approved the sale of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Greece. The sale, which must still be approved by Congress, is valued at US$1,95 billion.
Although Greece already operates the S-70 Seahawk, a version for naval operations, this will be the first time the country has acquired the original Black Hawk. Athens had already approved the purchase of 49 helicopters, which will replace the old Bell UH-1 Huey, currently being deactivated. The country is also considering acquiring the Italian Leonardo AW139 to replace its fleet of Super Puma search and rescue helicopters.
According to Security and Defense Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the deal includes spare engines, M240 and M134 Minigun machine guns, 7,62 x 51 mm caliber ammunition, 70mm rockets, self-defense and missile warning systems, communications and secure navigation equipment, cargo system external services (ESSS), training, and logistical services and others.
“The proposed sale will replace Greece’s current fleet of multi-role helicopters with a more reliable and proven system that will allow Greece to maintain the appropriate level of readiness to conduct combined operations,” DSCA said in a statement, stating that the purchase of the Black Hawk will improve Greece's mobilization and border protection capabilities. The sale also s the “foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States.”
In operation since the late 1970s, the Black Hawk is among the leading helicopters in its class. The model was developed to replace the UH-1 in the USA, was exported to dozens of countries and was tested in combat in various scenarios. In January this year, Sikorsky, a helicopter manufacturer and subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, celebrated the delivery of the 5000th Black Hawk.
