Lithuania has officially taken delivery of the first two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s military aviation fleet. These aircraft are part of an order placed with the US in 2020, which includes a total of four helicopters, with provisions for additional equipment, spare parts, training programs, maintenance support, and logistics enhancements. There is also an option for Lithuania to purchase two more helicopters as part of this deal.
The Black Hawks, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, were initially scheduled for delivery in 2024. However, the delivery date was eventually moved to October 2025, with no explanation provided by either the manufacturer or Lithuanian authorities for the postponement. Before their arrival in Lithuania, the helicopters underwent further modernization at a dedicated facility in Huntsville, Alabama after leaving the production line.
These UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters are designed to replace Lithuania’s aging Soviet-era Mi-8 fleet, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to align its defense assets with NATO standards. With a payload capacity of 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms), the aircraft can accommodate up to 12 fully equipped soldiers in addition to substantial cargo, both internally and externally. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence has highlighted the enhanced mission flexibility, faster response times, and improved safety the Black Hawks bring to both training and operational scenarios.
The new helicopters will be stationed at Šiauliai Air Base, which serves as the Lithuanian Air Force’s main operational hub and is a host site for NATO’s Baltic Air Policing missions. The acquisition is also expected to boost interoperability with NATO partners such as Latvia and Croatia, strengthening the collective defense platform in the region.
