Sikorsky to supply Black Hawk helicopters to Jordan and Croatia for $251.4 million

Europe, Middle East, News, US July 13, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has been awarded a substantial $251.4 million contract to produce UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters for Jordan and Croatia.

The strategic acquisition is expected to considerably enhance the operational effectiveness of both countries in various critical missions, including cargo and personnel transport, border security, counterterrorism, and search and rescue operations.

The newly secured contract underscores the growing popularity of the UH-60M Black Hawk, a twin-engine, medium-lift helicopter renowned for its versatility and reliability. The Black Hawks are slated to bolster the existing fleets of Jordan and Croatia, marking a continued trust in Sikorsky’s engineering prowess.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the work on this project will be carried out in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2027. The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama manages the contracting activity.

For Jordan, this continues their ongoing efforts to modernize their air capabilities. The Royal Jordanian Air Force, which previously procured two Black Hawk helicopters in 2022 for $32.8 million, will see this addition complement their existing fleet of 12 UH-60Ms.

Similarly, Croatia, which purchased eight Black Hawks to replace their aging Soviet-era helicopters, is poised to further advance its aerial fleet with this new contract.

*^{A pair of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo’s 1st Battalion 228th Aviation Regiment provide aviation support during Operation Serpiente. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)}*

UH-60M Black Hawk

The UH-60M Black Hawk is considered the benchmark in rotorcraft safety and performance. This helicopter is equipped with several advanced features that distinguish it from its predecessor, the UH-60A. These enhancements include:

Improved Rotor Blades: The UH-60M features rotor blades that offer better lift and efficiency, enabling the helicopter to perform more effectively in various operational environments.

Advanced Digital Avionics Suite: This suite provides enhanced situational awareness, making it easier for pilots to navigate and manage the aircraft during complex missions.

Electronic Instruments and Flight Controls: The inclusion of state-of-the-art electronic instruments and flight controls ensures greater precision and reliability in flight operations.

Aircraft Navigation Systems: These advanced systems facilitate more accurate and safer navigation, essential for diverse mission profiles.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is notable for its impressive performance metrics. It can achieve speeds of up to 151 knots (279 km/h) and has a range exceeding 511 kilometers, between refueling. These capabilities make it an ideal choice for a variety of mission types, from rapid personnel deployment to critical rescue operations.

Black Hawk helicopter features — *^{Image Credit: Lockheed Martin}*

For Jordan, enhancing their fleet with additional Black Hawks is a clear indication of their commitment to maintaining a robust and responsive defense force. The versatility of the Black Hawk makes it an invaluable asset for addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.

In Croatia, the introduction of more UH-60Ms marks a pivotal step in modernizing their military aviation capabilities. By transitioning from outdated Soviet-era platforms to advanced American-made helicopters, Croatia is positioning itself to better meet the demands of contemporary military operations and security challenges.

As both countries look to enhance their defense and operational readiness, the Black Hawk stands out as a critical component in achieving their strategic goals. With its advanced features, impressive performance, and proven reliability, the UH-60M continues to set the standard for medium-lift helicopters in military operations worldwide.