The government of President Javier Milei has moved forward with the purchase of four military helicopters UH-60L Black Hawk from the United States for USD 28 million, as part of the modernization and re-equipment process of the Argentine Armed Forces. The agreement was signed this Friday at the Libertador Building through a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), corresponding to the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The signing was celebrated by the U.S. ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, who highlighted the cooperation between both countries and the strengthening of national defense capabilities. "Sovereignty is defended with actions!", the diplomat expressed through his X account, emphasizing that the new helicopters will help improve border security and protect the population.
Peter Lamelas with Defense Minister Carlos Presti.
"The United States supports. Argentina decides and strengthens its sovereignty. Let's move forward, never backward!", Lamelas added, in a further demonstration of the strategic rapprochement between the administrations of Javier Milei and Donald Trump regarding defense and security.
The Minister of Defense, Carlos Presti, specified that the contract includes an investment of USD 28 million for the four aircraft, including spare parts and supplies necessary for their first 480 hours of operation. This amount is supplemented by another USD 10 million corresponding to an agreement signed in September, intended for technical assistance, unit selection, and engineering studies.
The Black Hawks will incorporate advanced navigation, communication, and reconnaissance systems, including Garmin GTN-750 GPS, friend-or-foe identification transponders, and multiband radios. They will also be equipped for special operations, rapid personnel insertion mechanisms, rescue winches, cargo transport systems, and devices to combat forest fires.
The aircraft will be assigned to the 601 Assault Helicopter Battalion, where they will gradually replace the veteran Bell UH-1H and will allow the recovery of tactical transport capabilities lost after the retirement of the Super Puma helicopters. The project includes a potential incorporation of up to 20 units, the availability of which has been offered by the United States.
The Argentine Army incorporates new helicopters.
In parallel, Argentine pilots and mechanics are advancing with their training in Colombia, where they receive instruction related to the operation and maintenance of these helicopters. The training includes activities at military facilities in Melgar and Tolemaida, including simulators and flight training.
The reception of the first four aircraft is scheduled for December 2026, while the remaining units could be incorporated gradually starting in 2027, if new agreements are finalized. The acquisition represents a new advance in the modernization of the Armed Forces driven by Milei's government, with the aim of expanding the operational capacity of the Army and strengthening Argentina's response to threats and emergencies.
