Croatia modernizes fleet with purchase of 8 Black Hawk helicopters
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.
Information about Croatia's plans to purchase Black Hawk helicopters was first reported by N1 television. The agreement with the manufacturer—Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, part of the American defence giant Lockheed Martin—was signed under the Foreign Military Sales program. This program facilitates agreements between the US government and 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 intends to have as many as 12 Black Hawk helicopters to fill the gap left after the Mi-8 helicopters were handed over to Ukraine. It was considered a large 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 10,900 kilograms. It can carry up to 20 passengers or 1,500 kilograms of cargo, depending on the variant. Two General Electric T700-700 engines provide propulsion, enabling the Black Hawk to reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. The maximum altitude this helicopter can operate at is approximately 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 .50 inches. 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 modernization efforts and enhance the ability of the entire 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 decided to purchase 89 Bradley combat vehicles and French Dassault Rafale fighter jets.
