The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale of Black Hawk helicopters to Croatia
The acquisition of the Black Hawk helicopters serves as further evidence of the strategic partnership between the United States and the Republic of Croatia, as well as the Croatian Government’s commitment to invest in strengthening the capabilities of all CAF components
The State Department has approved a proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the Republic of Croatia of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment and services at an estimated cost of $500 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed the U.S. Congress of this possible sale, which involves eight Black Hawk helicopters, with the Republic of Croatia’s Government having sought their acquisition.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed sale will improve Croatia’s capability to deter current and future threats and support coalition operations, as well as promote interoperability with the U.S. and other NATO forces.
The purchase of the Black Hawk helicopters once again confirms the strategic partnership with the United States as well as the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Croatia to invest in strengthening the capabilities of all CAF components.
The procurement supports the CAF’s efforts to replace older Soviet military technology with the Western one.
Four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the CAF equipping project, which was started in December 2018 in cooperation with the U.S. Government, make up a portion of the Croatian Air Force’s fleet.
Out of a total of four helicopters, two were donated by the U.S. Government in December 2018. Another two were purchased by the Croatian MOD-.
The value of the contract will be significantly less than the estimated $500 million, which is the highest possible estimated value. Half of the amount will be borne by the U.S. Government, and half by the Government of the Republic of Croatia. Half of the amount will be provided by Washington and the rest by the Croatian Government.