The agreement includes helicopters and related equipment to strengthen the capabilities of the Argentine Armed Forces
According to the statement, the sale "will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by enhancing the security of an important non-NATO ally, which constitutes a force for political stability and economic progress in South America".
The Department of Defense of the United States approved the sale to Argentina of four Blackhawk military helicopters, along with related equipment, for an estimated total value of 140 million dollars.
The operation includes aircraft manufactured by the American company Sikorsky and various components intended for their operation and maintenance.
According to the official statement, Argentina also requested two engines manufactured by General Electric's aerospace division, used in the Blackhawk and also in other models of military aircraft, such as the Apache attack helicopter.
The package approved by the Government of Donald Trump also includes a series of equipment such as transponders, landing systems, radio and GPS equipment, as well as devices for rescue and emergencies, tools, and maintenance software and spare parts.
The operation was presented by the Department of Defense as part of cooperation between the two countries in security and defense matters.
Washington also emphasized that the new helicopters will expand Argentina's capabilities to develop border security operations, combat transnational crime, and provide humanitarian assistance or respond to disasters.
The four Blackhawks will also aim to renew part of the equipment currently used by the Argentine Army Aviation Command. In particular, they are primarily intended to replace the Bell UH-1H/Huey II helicopters used by the Armed Forces.
The American model has a wide international presence. More than thirty countries, including Colombia and Brazil, have incorporated Blackhawks into their forces. Nearly five decades after its entry into service, the helicopter has ceased to be limited to transport and military utility functions and has also taken on tasks of medical evacuation, disaster response, and transportation of dignitaries.
Argentina already has one Blackhawk, although specifically designated for presidential transport. With the approval of this new operation, the country would incorporate four additional aircraft of this model and advance in the modernization of its Armed Forces under the Government of Javier Milei.
