Swedish FMV signs contract for additional 12 Black Hawks
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has ordered an additional 12 Sikorsky UH-60Ms, bolstering the 15 already in service with the Swedish armed forces.
The contract for the American-built helicopters was agreed with the United States Army under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, an initiative to facilitate sales of military equipment to other countries. The helicopters and associated equipment is worth an estimated $900 million.
Alongside the twelve helicopters, ‘optional extras’ on order include an additional six spare T700-GE-701D engines, 17 AN/AAR-57 common missile warning systems, radar warning receivers, laser detecting sets and Martin Baker crashworthy seats. Personnel training and equipment, US government and contractor support services, “and other related elements of logistics and program support” will also be included.
The procurement of additional units “is in line with ÖB’s military advice to the government and the Defense Committee’s report on strengthened defense capabilities for Sweden as an ally”, says Michael Stolpen, head of unit at FMV. Sweden has operated the UH-60 since 2011.
The provisional sale was approved by the US State Department in May of this year, with the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stating: “The proposed sale will improve Sweden’s capability to deter current and future threats and support coalition operations and the United States’ and Sweden’s goal of greater military operability”.
Deliveries from the project’s main contractor (Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky) to the Armed Forces will be “carried out continuously for several years,” concludes the FMV.
