Latvia Receives Final UH-60M Black Hawk, Completing €175 Million Procurement

Latvia has received its fourth and final UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from the United States, completing a military aviation procurement program approved eight years ago.

The Latvian National Armed Forces announced the delivery on November 7, confirming that all four helicopters ordered under the approximately €175 million acquisition have now arrived.

The latest aircraft, bearing tail number 107, was delivered to Lielvārde Air Base aboard a U.S. C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft.

The arrival completes a major step in Latvia's transition away from Soviet-era military helicopters toward a Western-supported aviation fleet.

Final Aircraft Completes 2018 Acquisition

Latvia approved the purchase of four UH-60M Black Hawks in September 2018 through an intergovernmental agreement with the United States.

The first three helicopters were delivered between 2022 and 2023.

Roberts Skraučs, an adviser to the commander of Latvia's National Armed Forces, confirmed that the final helicopter had been received, according to Latvian news agency LETA.

He explained that military aviation procurement involves extensive security checks and certification procedures, particularly when acquiring newly manufactured aircraft.

The UH-60M Black Hawk is a modernized version of the widely used American military helicopter, equipped with digital avionics and designed for transport, evacuation and other operational support missions.

Replacing Soviet Mi-17 Helicopters

The Black Hawks are replacing Latvia's aging Mi-17 helicopters, which previously served as important platforms for transport and search-and-rescue operations.

The new fleet will support the movement of troops and equipment, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue missions and other National Armed Forces requirements.

Black Hawks can also support firefighting and emergency operations.

The transition provides Latvia with a helicopter platform widely used by the United States and other allied militaries, creating opportunities for common training, maintenance practices and operational cooperation.

Latvia Continues Modernizing Military Aviation

The completed helicopter delivery is part of a broader effort to strengthen Latvia's national aviation capabilities.

The country is also considering additional aircraft for missions not covered by its utility helicopter fleet.

In August, AdriaDefense reported that Latvia was assessing the A-29 Super Tucano as a potential light combat aircraft for counter-drone operations. No acquisition decision has been announced.

The Black Hawk procurement, by contrast, has reached its delivery milestone.

With all four aircraft now in Latvia, attention turns to the operational availability, training and long-term support of the complete fleet.