Greece to buy 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters

The Greek government has approved the purchase of 35 U.S. UH-60M Black Hawk multi-role helicopters.

Here's What We Know

The deal, worth €1.15 billion, has been given the green light by a parliamentary committee that has reviewed in detail all the financial risks associated with the purchase. Now it is up to the governments of Greece and the United States to finalise the deal.

The plan is to supply not only the helicopters but also the associated equipment: 80 T700-GE 701D engines, 44 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning System and 85 H-764U integrated global positioning systems with inertial navigation.

In addition, it is also possible to purchase radios, laser detection systems, friend-or-foe identification transponders, encryption devices and other necessary equipment. The Black Hawk is to be armed with M134 Minigun and M240 machine guns.

Greece is looking to upgrade its defence complex and boost its shipbuilding industry, as it has been plagued by a serious debt crisis over the past decade that has forced it to cut spending. Therefore, the government has drafted a multi-billion dollar procurement plan, which includes, among other things, the purchase of up to 40 new F-35 fighter jets from the US and three frigates from France.

Flashback

The UH-60M Black Hawk is a multi-purpose helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It is designed for military operations, evacuations and search and rescue. It can carry up to 11 people or 4080 kg of cargo. It is powered by T700-GE-701D engines that provide high speed and range. The Black Hawk is also equipped with modern avionics and security systems, including a flight control system and an integrated weapons control system.

Source: Reuters