Argentina has moved forward with the acquisition of four UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters for its Army after signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales program. Although the US State Department previously approved a potential $140-million package covering two T700-GE-701D engines, communications and navigation equipment, rescue hoists, and logistical support, Argentina’s Defense Ministry said negotiations brought the price of the first four helicopters down to approximately $28 million, including spare parts and supplies. The aircraft will form the foundation of a new tactical mobility capability, strengthening the Army’s operational reach, protection, interoperability, and response capacity across military, rescue, and emergency missions. The first delivery is expected by the end of 2026. Built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, the UH-60 measures 64 feet (20 meters) long, features a 54-foot (16-meter) rotor diameter, and accommodates up to 11 personnel. Its payload capacity includes 3,190 pounds (1,447 kilograms) internally and up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) externally. Available weapons include M240 7.62mm machine guns, M134 7.62mm miniguns, GAU-19 12.7mm Gatling guns, Hellfire and Stinger missiles, and Hydra 70mm unguided rockets. Two General Electric T700-GE-701C/D turboshaft engines, each delivering up to 1,900 horsepower, power the helicopter to a maximum speed of 160 knots (185 miles per hour/296 kilometers per hour). Its reported operational range is 1,200 nautical miles (1,381 miles/2,222 kilometers), with operations possible at altitudes of up to 19,000 feet (5,791 meters). Argentina’s configuration will incorporate national modifications to improve range, communications, interoperability, and safety, including Garmin GTN 750 GPS units, attitude and heading reference systems, and multiband HF, VHF, and UHF radios.
