US Army Awards $1.24 Billion Contract to Sikorsky for UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters
The US Army has announced a significant contract modification worth $1.24 billion to Sikorsky, aimed at bolstering foreign military sales of the versatile UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. This agreement will see the helicopters delivered to multiple countries, including Australia, Brazil, Greece, Sweden, and Thailand, with work expected to be finalized by December 31, 2027.
Australia has taken the lead in orders, requesting 40 UH-60Ms, of which eight have already been delivered as of August. Meanwhile, Brazil and Sweden have ordered 12 helicopters each, while Thailand secured four units back in 2012.
In a related development, the US government has also affirmed a foreign military sale to Greece, which will receive 35 Black Hawk helicopters as part of this month’s contracts. Hamid Salim, Sikorsky’s Vice President of Army and Air Force Systems, expressed pride in the enduring partnership with Greece: "Our collaboration spans decades, and we are pleased to see the nation’s continued trust in Sikorsky helicopters. Greece will benefit from an integrated Hawk family of aircraft supporting national security and humanitarian missions."
The Black Hawk helicopter is renowned for its operational flexibility, offering an array of capabilities that include air assault, special operations, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, command and control, and VIP transport. Since its inception in 1979, the UH-60M Black Hawk has proven integral in military operations, with an estimated 4,000 units currently operational across 36 nations. Collectively, these aircraft have logged over 15 million flight hours, including more than 5 million hours in combat.
With a maximum gross weight of 22,000 pounds (9,979 kilograms) and a cruise speed of 151 knots (174 miles/280 kilometers per hour), the UH-60M continues to be a key asset in both military and humanitarian missions worldwide.
