One of two new UH-60M Black Hawks delivered to Zagreb on 3 February. As the latest variant Black Hawk, the UH-60M will significantly enhance Croatia's helicopter capabilities. (Croatian Ministry of Defence)
Croatia has received two new Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters from the United States, the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 3 February.
The delivery of helicopters, which was also reported by the US Embassy in Zagreb, was flown into the capital aboard a US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III airlifter.
“It is my pleasure to attend the arrival of the first two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, which are the donation of our strategic partner, the United States of America,” Croatian Minister of Defence Mario Banožić said. “The Croatian Armed Forces will, with these powerful helicopters, acquire new capabilities and increase our level of interoperability. With the procurement of Black Hawk helicopters, the Republic of Croatia, as a reliable and credible NATO member, shows its commitment to replacing existing helicopters of eastern production and transferring to Western technology.”
Croatia is set to receive four UH-60M helicopters, with two acquired by the country for HRK360 million (USD55 million) and two donated by the US government. Along with other equipment, spares, weapons, training and support, the estimated value of the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) for the two purchased helicopters is USD115 million.
These helicopters will be used by Croatia for a range of roles, including troop lift, border security, counterterrorism, medical evacuation, search and rescue, resupply/external lift, and combat support. As the most modern variant of the Black Hawk helicopter, the UH-60M incorporates more powerful and reliable General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, enhanced rotor blades and a fully digital ‘glass' cockpit.
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