Croatia boosts military with Black Hawk helicopters in major upgrade
Croatia, which in 2023 handed over all its Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine, is making efforts to rebuild and significantly modernize its fleet. The authorities have decided to purchase eight more Black Hawk helicopters. We explain what these machines are.
8:11 AM EDT, July 13, 2024
Information about Croatia's plans to buy Black Hawk helicopters was first reported by N1 television. The agreement with the manufacturer, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, part of the American defense giant Lockheed Martin, was signed under the Foreign Military Sales program. This program facilitates the conclusion of agreements by the US government with the governments of other countries.
Croatia buys Black Hawk helicopters
According to Croatian television, the agreement includes helicopters, spare parts, and related technical support. Croatia wants to have 12 Black Hawk helicopters in total. They will fill the gap left after all Mi-8 helicopters were handed over to Ukraine. It 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 66 feet in length and weighs over 24,000 pounds. Depending on the variant, it can carry up to 20 passengers or 3,300 pounds of cargo. Two General Electric T700-700 engines provide propulsion, enabling the Black Hawk to reach speeds of up to 186 mph. The maximum altitude at which this helicopter can operate is 19,000 feet.
The Black Hawk's armament also depends on the version. It can include Hellfire (guided) or Hydra (unguided) missiles or the heavy GAU-19 machine gun with a caliber of .50 inches. The primary arsenal usually consists of two M60 machine guns calibrating 7.62 mm.
"Croatia's decision to acquire eight more next-generation helicopters will support the country's ongoing modernization 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 noting that the purchase of Black Hawk helicopters is not the only recent example of Croatian authorities' efforts to modernize their army. In recent months, they have also decided to purchase 89 Bradley combat vehicles and French Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
