In a major defense boost, Greece has given the nod for the procurement of 35 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. This decision beckons a hefty price tag of 1.15 billion euros.
Regarding Initial Reports
Earlier speculations hinted that Greece might be on the verge of procuring as many as 49 Blackhawk helicopters. These choppers are manufactured by the US-based firm Sikorky.
Objective of the Acquisition
This strategic purchase aims at phasing out the existing fleet of 56 Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. These are currently under operation by the Greek land forces.
US Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Approval
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) gave its nod to the potential sale in less than two months. The initial cost estimation for the procurement stood at 1.95 billion dollars, which translates to 1.7 billion euros.
DSCA’s Justification
The DSCA defended the sale on the grounds of strengthening Greece's capacity to secure its borders. It also mentioned that the purchase would enable Greece to respond convincingly if such a need arises.
Greek Parliament’s Approval
The Greek Parliament gave the green signal for the purchase on the 3rd of April. This approval is to be followed by a two-year support and monitoring contract.
Choice of Blackhawk
The decision to opt for Blackhawk was primarily driven by the intent to standardize Greek helicopter maintenance. This is so because the Blackhawk shares common features with other helicopter models currently in service.
Delivery Timeline
Prospective buyers might have to wait for three years for the first batch of deliveries. This is due to the full order book of the manufacturer.