Latvian military receives fourth and final Black Hawk helicopter
The Air Force of Latvia's National Armed Forces has received the last of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters ordered by the country. The purchase, approved by the government in 2018, is now complete.
The Air Force of Latvia's National Armed Forces (NBS) has received the last of the four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters the country ordered, the NBS reports. The delivery completes a procurement programme that has run for several years.
In September 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the purchase of four new Black Hawk helicopters for about 175 million euros and signed an intergovernmental agreement with the United States. The first three helicopters were delivered in 2022 and 2023.
Roberts Skrauču, an adviser to the NBS commander, told the news agency LETA that the final helicopter of the four covered by the purchase has been received. According to him, acquiring aviation equipment takes longer because of safety checks and certification, and also because the helicopters are brand new.
What the helicopters are for
The NBS says the new helicopter will expand the capabilities of military aviation and strengthen the country's defence. Black Hawks are used to transport troops and cargo, for medical evacuation, and for search and rescue operations, as well as for other tasks.
The Black Hawks have replaced the physically and technologically obsolete Soviet-made Mi-17 helicopters.
