US approves sale of Black Hawk helicopters to Croatia

Europe, News November 6, 2019 , by IRIA No Comments

US State Department approves the sale of two Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Croatia

The U.S. State Department approved the possible sale of two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Croatia for an estimated cost of $115 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced.

The deal requires the expected approval of the U.S. Congress.

The deal includes two UH-60Ms along with up to nine General Electric T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, nine H-764GY/Embedded Global Positioning/Inertial Navigation (EGI) systems, aircraft spares, training and logistical support services.

It also includes communication security equipment, such as the AN/APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder, AN/ARC-201D RT-1478D, and AN/ARC-231 RT-1808A radios, as well as aircraft warranty, air worthiness support, calibration services, spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, weapons, ammunition, night vision devices, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training devices, site surveys, tool and test equipment, technical and logistics support services.

“The sale of these UH-60 helicopters to Croatia will significantly increase its capability to provide troop lift, border security, counterterrorism, medical evacuation, search and rescue, re-supply/external lift, and combat support. These UH-60 helicopters will allow for interoperability with US and NATO forces in rapid response to a variety of missions and quick positioning of troops with minimal helicopter assets,” the DSCA said.

“Croatia intends to use these defense articles and services to modernize its armed forces and expand its existing army architecture in its efforts to provide multi-mission support in the region as well as combat terrorist threats” the statement read.

It added that the proposed sale of this equipment will not alter the basic military balance in the region.