Croatia has purchased eight additional Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters via US government Foreign Military Sale, bringing the country’s Black Hawk fleet total to 12.
The deal includes aircraft, organizational equipment, spare and repair parts, and associated support equipment. It is seen as critical investment by Croatia, significantly bolstering its self-defence and security in the region and that of the NATO alliance.
“We deeply value Croatia’s continued trust in the Black Hawk helicopter, which is operated by the U.S. and more than 35 other nations, including NATO allies, offering unmatched global and regional interoperability,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky.
“Croatia’s decision to acquire eight more of the latest generation UH-60M Black Hawks for its Armed Forces, tripling its fleet, will support ongoing modernization efforts and strengthen the Balkan region’s ability to deter current and future threats.”
In January 2024, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale of helos and related gear and services to Croatia for an estimated cost of USD 500 million. Under the deal, the US government will cover 51% of the contract’s value, while the remainder will be covered by Croatia.
There are over 5,000 Black Hawk aircraft in operation globally, offering various operational capabilities. The UH-60M/S-70M Black Hawk continues to receive global investment and is considered the top choice for modernizing and replacing older medium-lift utility helicopters. Its flexibility allows it to perform a wide range of operations over longer distances and in challenging environments, making it more effective and survivable for 21st-century security missions.
