The Austrian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for the purchase of twelve UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Sikorsky as part of the modernization and expansion of the Austrian Armed Forces’ aircraft fleet.
Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner said: “With the purchase of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, we are making significant progress in improving our operational capability. These versatile aircraft are a key contribution to increasing the safety of our soldiers. They will be invaluable to us in a wide range of operational scenarios, particularly in challenging mountainous regions and under extreme weather conditions.”
“With this investment, we are taking another decisive step to ensure the operational readiness of our armed forces and to sustainably increase safety. We are proud to invest in the future of our Federal Army and to provide soldiers with the best possible resources.”
The Austrian Air Force is procuring twelve Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters through the US Army’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in collaboration with the United States. The aircraft will come as a complete package, including logistical services, mission equipment, and training for pilots and technicians, within a planned budget of EUR 715 million.
These new medium transport helicopters will be based in Hörsching and will serve the Austrian Air Force for at least 30 years. Delivery of the helicopters is scheduled to start in 2028 and will replace the Agusta Bell (AB212), which will be phased out of service by the end of the decade.
In May 2024 the US State Department approved the sale to Austria of twelve UH-60M Blackhawk Helicopters and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of USD 1.05 billion.
