Austria has purchased 20 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States

On 30 June, the Austrian Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the purchase of 20 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin

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"With the purchase of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, we are making significant progress in improving our operational capabilities. These versatile aircraft are an important contribution to the safety of our soldiers. They will be invaluable for us in various operational scenarios, especially in difficult mountainous regions and in extreme weather conditions," said Austrian Minister of Defence Claudia Tanner.

The purchase of twelve Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft for the Austrian Air Force is being made through the US Army's Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The comprehensive package includes the aircraft, logistics services, mission-specific equipment and the necessary training for pilots and technicians with a planned budget of EUR 715 million.

The new medium transport helicopters will be deployed in Hersching and are expected to serve the Austrian Air Force for at least 30 years. The helicopters will be delivered in 2028 to gradually replace the old Agusta Bell (AB212), which will be retired by the end of this decade.

Source: Defence Industry Europe