Greece To Procure $1.95 Billion Worth of UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopters and Equipment From The US
The US State Department decided to approve a potential foreign military sale of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to the Government of Greece for an estimated $1.95 billion, according to a statement released by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The US Congress was notified of this possible sale on December 15, 2023, the agency claims, along with the required certification and supporting documentation.
This potential sale includes 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, 80 T700-GE 701D turboshaft engines, 44 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS), M134 Gatling Guns, M240 machine guns, 70mm rockets, as well as many additional systems such as laser, radar, GPS and advanced communication systems. Other important components of the package include spare parts, consumables, accessories, logistics, and program support.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), “The proposed sale will replace Greece’s current multi-role helicopter fleet with a more reliable and proven system that will allow Greece to maintain the appropriate level of readiness to conduct combined operations. The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter will improve the Hellenic Army’s ability to deploy combat power to secure Greece’s borders, deter actions against its interests, and, when required, respond with credible force. Greece will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.” The agency also noted that the proposed sale would not change the basic military balance in the region.
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut, will be the main contractor under the agreement. The successful execution of this possible sale requires the deployment of roughly fifteen US Government and contractor officials to Greece for an extended period of time. The key responsibilities of these individuals will be the processing/fielding of equipment, system control, training, and the provision of necessary technical and logistical support.
The State Department’s approval of arms sales simply indicates that the sale is not a concern for the US administration. If the US Congress does not object to the department’s decision within 30 days, the administration will begin negotiating the specifics of the sales package with the Greek government, and procurement will begin. If the US Congress does not oppose the sale, deliveries of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and supporting equipment to Greece will begin next year. Greece will gradually phase out current UH-1 helicopters as delivery of Black Hawk helicopters begin.