WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 19, 2026 : The United States Department of State has approved a potential $1.5 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Austria for 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and a comprehensive package of associated equipment, training, sustainment, and logistics support. The proposed sale was formally notified to Congress on June 17, 2026, with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, serving as the principal contractor.
The acquisition forms a key part of Austria’s Armed Forces 2032+ modernization program, which aims to strengthen military capabilities and replace aging aviation assets. The new helicopters will replace the Austrian Air Force’s Agusta-Bell AB212 fleet, which has been in service since 1980, while expanding the country's existing Black Hawk force.
Austria currently operates S-70A Black Hawk helicopters, and the addition of the UH-60M variant will significantly enhance operational capabilities. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028, while Austria’s first UH-60M entered its final U.S. Army outfitting and certification phase in May 2026 ahead of transfer.
Advanced Aircraft and Mission Systems
The UH-60M is the latest production version of the Black Hawk available through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. The aircraft is equipped with General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, upgraded wide-chord rotor blades, and a fully digital glass cockpit, providing improved performance, reliability, and operational efficiency.
The approved package includes 12 helicopters, 26 engines, missile warning systems, infrared countermeasure systems, radar warning receivers, satellite communication radios, and EAGLE-M+429 systems. Additional equipment includes advanced navigation aids, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders, electro-optical and infrared sensors, ballistic protection, auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue hoists, fast-rope insertion systems, degraded visual environment technology, and LINK-16 tactical data link terminals.
The agreement also covers training devices, spare parts, technical publications, maintenance equipment, contractor support, and long-term logistics services to ensure sustained operational readiness.
Supporting Military and Civil Operations
The new helicopters will support a broad range of missions, including troop transport, search-and-rescue operations, disaster response, medical evacuation, logistics support, and firefighting activities. Enhanced avionics, navigation systems, and self-protection equipment are expected to improve safety and effectiveness during operations in Austria’s mountainous terrain.
Strengthening Defense Cooperation
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the defense capabilities of a European partner nation. The widespread use of the Black Hawk platform among NATO members and partner countries will also enhance interoperability, simplifying joint training, maintenance, and coalition operations.
The State Department stated that Austria is well positioned to integrate the helicopters into its armed forces. No offset agreements have been announced, and any related arrangements will be negotiated directly between Austria and the contractor.
The approval reflects continued investment by European nations in modern rotary-wing capabilities and marks another step in Austria’s long-term military modernization efforts under the Armed Forces 2032+ program.
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