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9h ago

Lithuania Receives First UH-60M Black Hawks, Declares Them Ready to Fly

The U.S.-built helicopters mark Lithuania’s shift from Soviet-era Mi-8s to NATO-standard air mobility.

Lithuania's first two Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks. (Image credit: Lithuanian Air Force)

Overview

  • Lithuania took delivery of two of four UH-60Ms from a 2020 U.S. deal valued at about €181 million ($213 million).
  • The defense ministry says the aircraft are flight-ready for troop lift, MEDEVAC, search and rescue, and other missions with NATO partners.
  • The helicopters will be based at Šiauliai Air Base as the Air Force phases out Mi-8s and keeps AS365 Dauphins focused on SAR and environmental monitoring.
  • Two more Black Hawks from the original order are still to be delivered, with an option reported for up to two additional airframes.
  • The initial 2024 delivery target slipped to 2025 due to configuration, training and support preparations, and Latvia’s new UH-60M simulator offers a nearby training venue.