First of 12 Sikorsky Black Hawks arrives as part of Pentagon foreign military sales deal to modernize Brazilian army’s aging rotary-wing fleet.
Brazil’s army has formally received its first Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopter, marking the start of a $950 million deal brokered through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program, officials announced Monday.
The handover of the first aircraft comes roughly one month after the rotorcraft arrived in Brazil aboard a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 strategic transport on Nov. 20. The delivery to Taubate air base in Sao Paulo state represents the initial installment of a 12-helicopter purchase ordered through the Pentagon’s FMS mechanism.
The acquisition “strengthens Brazil’s multi-mission airlift and humanitarian-assistance capabilities,” according to Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky’s parent company.
“These aircraft will play a critical role in supporting the Brazilian army’s operations, and we are committed to delivering exceptional logistical support to ensure their continued success,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency valued the prospective 12-aircraft deal at an estimated $950 million in May. The contract includes communications equipment, spare parts and support services beyond the helicopters themselves.
Brazil’s new UH-60Ms will replace the service’s current S-70A-model Black Hawks, which have been operational since 1997, and aged Airbus Helicopters AS532 Cougar transports. The army currently operates four S-70As and seven AS532s, according to aviation analytics company Cirium’s fleet data.
The Foreign Military Sales program allows allied nations to purchase U.S. defense equipment through government-to-government agreements, with the Pentagon managing the procurement process.
Key Takeaways
- Brazil’s army received its first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter through a $950 million U.S. Foreign Military Sales deal announced in May.
- The delivery represents the first of 12 helicopters ordered to replace aging S-70A Black Hawks in service since 1997 and European-made AS532 Cougars.
- The contract includes communications equipment, spare parts and support services, with all aircraft procured through the Pentagon’s government-to-government FMS mechanism.
