US approves $140m Black Hawk helicopter sale to Argentina

The U.S. State Department approved a possible $140 million Foreign Military Sale to Argentina covering four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and two spare T700-GE-701D engines. The package also includes avionics, GPS navigation, auxiliary fuel systems, rescue hoists, cargo hooks, firefighting buckets, fast-rope equipment, spares, training and logistics support, but no offensive weapons. Argentina intends to establish its army's first Black Hawk unit for tactical transport, border security, rescue and disaster-response missions, with Sikorsky identified as prime contractor. The notification authorizes negotiations with Congress informed; it is not a signed contract, and the final value may be lower.