Greece has significantly bolstered its military capabilities with the procurement of 35 advanced UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin, reinforcing its defense strategy amid evolving regional security dynamics.
STRATFORD, Conn., Oct. 29, 2024 – Following a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) signed in April 2024, the U.S. Government has approved a crucial Foreign Military Sale contract awarded to Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), for the supply of 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to the Hellenic Army. This groundbreaking deal encompasses not only the aircraft but also essential personnel training, training equipment, and an initial provisioning package that collectively enhance Greece’s self-defense capabilities while promoting seamless interoperability with NATO allies.
“Our longstanding partnership with Greece spans decades, and we are thrilled to further this relationship through the introduction of Sikorsky helicopters,” stated Hamid Salim, Sikorsky’s vice president of Army and Air Force Systems. “By integrating the operational prowess of the Black Hawk helicopter into Greece’s arsenal, the nation will gain access to a robust ecosystem consisting of over 5,000 Hawk aircraft utilized by 36 nations worldwide, thereby elevating its operational readiness and effectiveness.”
Costas Papadopoulos, international business development executive director for Greece at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the significance of this contract, saying, “The newly contracted UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are further evidence of the resilient ties we have cultivated with Greece, its Armed Forces, and local defense industries over the past 80 years. These multi-mission medium-lift helicopters will enhance Greece’s operational capabilities, supporting various functions across air, land, and sea, and integrating seamlessly with Greece’s existing fleet of upgraded F-16Vs, new MH-60Rs, and future F-35s.”
With the integration of these helicopters, Greece will join a select group of nations operating multiple variants of the Hawk family, benefiting from the significant advantages of fleet commonality in terms of operations and maintenance. The remarkable versatility of the Black Hawk helicopter will empower Greece to conduct complex missions across diverse environments, significantly enhancing its operational survivability and effectiveness in modern-day security challenges.
Continuing its commitment to support Greece, Lockheed Martin stands poised to deliver advanced capabilities, including F-35s and C-130s, which will further reinforce the country’s defense posture and interoperability with NATO partners. Greece’s acquisition of the Black Hawk marks a pivotal step in enhancing its deterrent capabilities as it becomes the 12th European nation to deploy this iconic helicopter.
In 2024 alone, U.S. Government contracts awarded to Sikorsky will see the manufacturing and delivery of a total of 84 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to an array of countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, reaffirming the helicopter’s status as the leading multi-role utility aircraft globally. Recent contracts also highlight Sikorsky’s ongoing success, as new awards for Black Hawks were granted to Austria, Brazil, Sweden, and Thailand, reflecting the robust demand and trust in the Black Hawk platform from global allies.
For additional information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/blackhawk.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery, committed to delivering transformative technologies and solutions. Through its vision of 21st Century Security®, Lockheed Martin ensures that clients remain ahead in a rapidly evolving security landscape. More information is available at lockheedmartin.com.
For further information: Media Contact:
Leah Foley, +1 203 386 4831, leah.foley@lmco.com
