Greece set to acquire 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the US

Greece plans to purchase 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, along with an array of related equipment and training services. The package includes 80 T700-GE-701D engines (with 10 spares), 44 common missile warning systems, 85 embedded GPS systems with inertial navigation, and 85 SATCOM radio systems.

The State Department anticipates that this sale will bolster the safety of Greece, a NATO ally, and contribute to the overall stability of Europe. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is named as the principal contractor for this deal. If the agreement proceeds, around fifteen US government or contractor representatives will travel to Greece to facilitate the execution of the deal.

Additionally, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) recently approved a USD 400 million foreign military sale to Italy for the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This sale to Italy includes 21 M142 HIMARS and one M31A2 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System unitary high-explosive pods with Insensitive Munitions Propulsion System, among other equipment.

The DSCA states that these sales support US foreign policy and national security by enhancing the security of key NATO allies, which are pivotal for political stability and economic progress in Europe.

The sales are expected to improve the defensive capabilities of Greece and Italy, enhancing their interoperability with the US and other allied forces. Italy, like Greece, is anticipated to integrate this new equipment seamlessly into its armed forces.

The principal contractor for Italy’s HIMARS acquisition will be Lockheed Martin.