Lithuania has taken delivery of the first two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from its 2020 US order, which also included spare parts, training, maintenance, and logistics packages, along with an option for two additional aircraft.
Earlier, in August 2022, the Ministry of National Defence reported that Lockheed Martin had transferred the helicopters to a Huntsville, Alabama facility for modernization. Delivery, originally slated for 2024, was postponed to October 2025, though no official reason was provided.
These US-made helicopters will replace the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ aging Mi-8 fleet, supporting the country’s goal of aligning military systems with NATO standards. The UH-60 can carry 12 fully equipped troops and handle both internal and external loads up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms). The ministry noted the Black Hawks “will enhance combat capability, improve training, and allow missions to be executed more quickly, safely, and effectively.”
The Black Hawks will be stationed at Šiauliai Air Base, Lithuania’s main Air Force hub, which has also hosted NATO Baltic Air Policing missions. The acquisition strengthens interoperability with NATO allies operating Black Hawks, such as Latvia and Croatia.
