US approves $2.9 billion Black Hawk helicopter sales to Sweden, Austria, and Brazil

Europe, News, US June 1, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The U.S. State Department has given the green light for foreign military sales involving the sale of 36 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Sweden, Austria, and Brazil.

As per announcements from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), each of these countries has submitted requests for 12 Sikorsky-made helicopters, totaling a combined worth of $2.9 billion.

Sweden’s package carries an approximate cost of $900 million, whereas Austria’s is projected at $1.05 billion, as stated by the DSCA. Brazil’s planned $950-million Black Hawk order includes $450 million in major defense equipment and up to $500 million in other equipment and services.

Austria, not part of the NATO Alliance, had the highest projected order expense among the three, totaling $1.05 billion, mainly due to several additional components and accessories requested. Apart from the Black Hawks, Vienna is seeking 26 T700-GE-701D engines, 15 AN/AAR-57 counter missile warning systems, and 30 embedded global positioning systems with inertial navigation capabilities.

“The proposed sale will improve Austria’s capability to deter current and future threats and support coalition operations and the United States’ and Austria’s goal of greater military interoperability. Austria will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” the DSCA statement noted.

Sweden, the newest member of the NATO Alliance, intends to bolster its existing fleet of 15 US-manufactured Black Hawk helicopters, delivered in 2012, with a $900 million package. This decision follows the country’s abandonment of plans to procure NH90 maritime helicopters from NHIndustries.

US Black Hawk — ^{U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew members assigned to Task Force Tigershark, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division depart for a mission at Operating Base Fenty. (Image Credit: U.S. Army)}

While it remains uncertain if the UH-60Ms will compensate for the canceled procurement, the DSCA noted that Sweden’s move to proceed with the Black Hawk acquisition is aimed at enhancing its capability to deter present and future threats.

Similar to Austria, Sweden’s package includes 30 T700-GE-701D engines (including six spares) and 17 AN/AAR-57 common missile warning systems. Additionally, Sweden seeks radar warning receivers, laser detecting sets, and upgraded ballistic armor.

It is important to note that announcements on the DSCA’s website do not signify final sales. The U.S. Congress retains the ability to intervene and potentially block the sale, although such an outcome seems improbable in this instance. Moreover, during negotiations, final quantities and financial figures may undergo adjustments.

UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter

The helicopter, which carries 2 pilots and 2 gunners, and fly at a maximum speed of 294 km/h. It can also carry 1,450 kilograms of internal cargo, including 11 seated troops, and 6 stretchers, as well as 4,100 kilograms of external cargo.

The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter carries a combat range of about 590 kilometers and can be equipped with two M240 machine guns, two 7.62mm M134 miniguns, or two 12.7 mm GAU-19 Gatling guns. It can also carry 70mm unguided rockets as well as up to 4 AGM-114 Hellfire laser-guided air-to-ground missiles or 2 AIM-92 Stinger heat-seeking air-to-air missiles.