Argentina’s Ministry of Defense has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the United States to acquire four UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters for the Argentine Army through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The US State Department had previously approved the potential sale at an estimated $140 million, including two T700-GE-701D engines, communications and navigation systems, rescue hoists, and logistical support. However, Argentina’s Defense Ministry said negotiations in the United States reduced the cost of the first four helicopters to approximately $28 million, including spare parts and supplies. The Sikorsky-built aircraft will establish the Army’s initial tactical mobility capability, improving its range, protection, interoperability, and response capacity during military, rescue, and emergency operations. The first helicopter is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026. Developed by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky, the UH-60 measures 64 feet (20 meters) in length and has a rotor diameter of 54 feet (16 meters), with capacity for up to 11 personnel. It can carry an internal payload of 3,190 pounds (1,447 kilograms) and transport up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) of external cargo. Depending on mission requirements, armament options include M240 7.62mm machine guns, M134 7.62mm miniguns, GAU-19 12.7mm Gatling guns, Hellfire and Stinger missiles, and Hydra 70mm unguided rockets. The helicopter is powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701C/D turboshaft engines, each producing up to 1,900 horsepower. It has a maximum speed of 160 knots (185 miles per hour/296 kilometers per hour), a reported operational range of 1,200 nautical miles (1,381 miles/2,222 kilometers), and a service ceiling of 19,000 feet (5,791 meters). Argentina’s aircraft will receive country-specific modifications to enhance range, communications, interoperability, and operational safety, including Garmin GTN 750 GPS navigation units, attitude and heading reference systems, and multiband high-frequency, very-high-frequency, and ultra-high-frequency radios.
