Croatia modernises fleet with new Black Hawk helicopters purchase
Croatia, which handed over all its Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine in 2023, is making efforts to rebuild and significantly modernise its fleet. The authorities have decided to purchase eight more Black Hawk helicopters. We explain what these machines are.
N1 television first reported Croatia's plans to purchase Black Hawk helicopters. The agreement with the manufacturer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, part of the American defence giant Lockheed Martin, was signed under the Foreign Military Sales programme, which facilitates the conclusion of agreements by the US government with governments of other countries.
Croatia buys Black Hawk helicopters
As revealed by Croatian television, the agreement includes not only helicopters but also spare parts and related technical support. Croatia wants to have as many as 12 Black Hawk helicopters. After all Mi-8 helicopters are handed over to Ukraine, they will fill the gap. This was considered a significant gesture, even commented on by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The Black Hawk is an American transport and infantry support helicopter. It measures about 20 metres in length and weighs over 11,000 kilograms. Depending on the variant, it can carry up to 20 passengers or 1,500 kilograms of cargo. Two General Electric T700-700 engines provide propulsion, enabling the Black Hawk to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. The maximum altitude at which this helicopter can operate is 5,800 metres.
The armament of the American helicopter also depends on the version. It can include Hellfire (guided) or Hydra (unguided) missiles or the heavy GAU-19 machine gun with a calibre of 12.7 mm. The primary arsenal usually consists of two M60 machine guns calibre 7.62 mm.
"Croatia's decision to acquire eight more next-generation helicopters will support the country's ongoing modernisation efforts and enhance the ability of the Balkan region to deter current and future threats," said Hamid Salim, a representative of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.
It is worth adding that the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters is not the only recent example of Croatian authorities' efforts to modernise their army. In recent months, they decided to purchase 89 Bradley combat vehicles and French Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
