Argentina’s Ministry of Defense has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the US to acquire four UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters for the Argentine Army.
Buenos Aires is pursuing the acquisition through the US Foreign Military Sales program. The US State Department previously approved the potential sale at an estimated $140 million, covering two T700-GE-701D engines, communications and navigation systems, rescue hoists, and logistical support.
However, the ministry said negotiations in the US had brought the cost of the first four helicopters down to approximately $28 million, including spare parts and supplies.
According to the ministry, the Sikorsky helicopters will form the Army’s initial core of a new tactical mobility capability. They are expected to improve the service’s range, protection, interoperability, and response capabilities in military, rescue, and emergency operations.
The first helicopter is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
UH-60 Black Hawk
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). It can accommodate up to 11 personnel.
The helicopter can carry an internal payload of up to 3,190 pounds (1,447 kilograms) and transport up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) of external cargo.
Depending on mission requirements, it can be equipped with M240 7.62mm machine guns, M134 7.62mm miniguns, and GAU-19 12.7mm Gatling guns. Other weapon options include 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 can reach a maximum speed of 160 knots (185 miles per hour/296 kilometers per hour), has a reported operational range of 1,200 nautical miles (1,381 miles/2,222 kilometers), and can operate at altitudes of up to 19,000 feet (5,791 meters).
The ministry said the helicopters would feature country-specific modifications to improve range, communications, interoperability, and operational safety.
These include Garmin GTN 750 GPS navigation units, attitude and heading reference systems, and multiband high-frequency, very-high-frequency, and ultra-high-frequency radios.