US delivers helicopters to Lithuania to strengthen military
Lithuania receives new helicopters from the US to strengthen its defense (Illustrative photo: Pixabay)
The Lithuanian Armed Forces have received their first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the US, significantly enhancing the mobility and operational capabilities of the country’s military, according to a post by the Lithuanian Armed Forces on Facebook.
The Lithuanian Armed Forces announced the arrival of the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters ordered from the US.
As noted in the post on the army’s official Facebook page, these are the first Black Hawks to feature Lithuanian markings - the tricolor flag and the Vytis Cross.
Procurement history and preparation
The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters were ordered back in 2020. Last year, a hangar was commissioned at the Šiauliai airbase for the storage, maintenance, and operation of the new helicopters.
Mission and advantages
As emphasized by the Lithuanian military, the new helicopters will be used for tactical mobility and support of ground forces, as well as for rapid response to threats and emergencies.
The UH-60M Black Hawks are designed for personnel transport, casualty evacuation, and operational assistance, significantly expanding Lithuania’s capabilities in national defense.
The helicopters will also be a key element in Lithuania’s integration into NATO’s collective defense systems, ensuring compatibility with allies’ equipment and operational readiness for any security challenges.
Lithuania has stated its intention to maintain current sanctions against Russia and Belarus until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is fully restored and war damages are compensated, according to the head of the Lithuanian government.
Additionally, Lithuania has extended the temporary protection period for Ukrainian refugees by another year, setting the new expiration date to March 4, 2027, to support citizens who fled the country due to the war.
