Hamid Salim, vice president of Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, highlighted the long-standing partnership between Greece and Sikorsky, which spans decades. He noted that the Black Hawk helicopters will enhance Greeceās capabilities in national security and humanitarian missions, integrating into a global ecosystem of over 5,000 Hawk aircraft used by 36 countries.
Costas Papadopoulos, Lockheed Martinās international business development executive director for Greece, underscored the importance of this contract in strengthening Greeceās military operations. He stated that the Black Hawk helicopters will complement Greeceās existing fleet, which includes upgraded F-16Vs, new MH-60Rs, and C-130s, enhancing air, land, and sea operational capabilities.
With the addition of the new Black Hawks, Greece will operate multiple variants of the Hawk family, allowing for greater operational efficiency and sustainment advantages. The Black Hawkās flexibility to conduct diverse operations in challenging environments is expected to increase the survivability and effectiveness of Greeceās military missions.
Lockheed Martinās partnership with Greece has continued for over 80 years, with the company poised to support the nationās defence needs through various platforms, including F-35s and C-130s. Greece will become the 12th European nation to operate the Black Hawk, joining a growing list of countries enhancing their military capabilities with this versatile helicopter.
In 2024 alone, the U.S. Government has awarded Sikorsky contracts for a total of 84 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters across multiple regions, affirming the helicopter’s status as a leading multi-role utility aircraft. Recent contract awards have also been secured in countries such as Austria, Brazil, Sweden, and Thailand, further solidifying the Black Hawkās global presence in modern military operations.