The United States has approved a possible sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to Argentina in a Foreign Military Sale estimated at approximately $140 million.
The U.S. Department of State notified Congress of the proposed transaction on September 10, 2026. The package includes four UH-60L Black Hawks, two T700-GE-701D engines and a broad range of aviation, rescue, communications, training, spare-parts and logistical equipment.
The proposed sale does not yet constitute a finalized purchase contract. The transaction must proceed through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process, while the final configuration, contractual arrangements and delivery schedule remain subject to further negotiations.
A Major Upgrade for Argentina’s Army Aviation
If completed, the acquisition would provide Argentina’s Army with its first operational fleet of UH-60L Black Hawks and would significantly strengthen its medium-lift helicopter capability.
The Argentine military has an aging fleet of helicopters, including legacy UH-1H aircraft. The Black Hawk acquisition is intended to provide a modern platform for missions including troop transport, border security, humanitarian assistance, disaster response and rescue operations. The U.S. State Department specifically cited Argentina’s ability to respond to current and future threats, transnational crime, border-security requirements and humanitarian or disaster situations as benefits of the proposed sale.
What Is Included in the $140 Million Package?
The proposed package goes well beyond the four aircraft themselves.
It includes:
- 4 × UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters
- 2 × T700-GE-701D engines
- Attitude and heading reference systems
- APX-series Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders
- Navigation and landing equipment
- HF and VHF communications systems
- Garmin GTN-750 GPS
- Emergency locator equipment
- Internal auxiliary fuel tanks
- Fast Rope Insertion/Extraction System (FRIES)
- Rescue hoist and associated equipment
- Cargo hook
- Bambi Bucket firefighting system
- Training equipment and software
- Spare and repair parts
- Maintenance and support equipment
- Technical documentation
- Personnel training and logistical support
The $140 million figure is an estimated value for the notified FMS package, rather than a confirmed final contract price. The final cost can change depending on the configuration and negotiations.
UH-60L Black Hawk — Technical Specifications
The UH-60L is an improved version of the original UH-60A Black Hawk. The L model introduced more powerful T700-GE-701C engines, an upgraded transmission and improvements to the flight-control system. Some UH-60L aircraft are subsequently being equipped or upgraded with T700-GE-701D engines.
Key publicly documented characteristics include:
- Crew: 4
- Troop capacity: approximately 11 fully equipped soldiers
- Maximum gross weight: 22,000 lb / approximately 9,980 kg
- Cruise speed: approximately 150 knots / 278 km/h
- External load: up to 9,000 lb / approximately 4,080 kg
- Engines: 2 × T700-series turboshaft engines
- Main rotor: 4-blade
- Role: medium-lift utility helicopter
The Black Hawk’s versatility is one of its major advantages. It can perform troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, disaster relief and other utility missions.
Why the T700-GE-701D Engines Matter
The proposed package includes two T700-GE-701D engines. The 701D is a more advanced member of the T700 family and is also associated with the UH-60M Black Hawk.
The U.S. Army lists the T700-GE-701D at up to approximately 2,000 shaft horsepower per engine in the UH-60M configuration.
The inclusion of two additional engines gives Argentina additional flexibility for maintenance and fleet sustainment.
A New Capability for Argentina
The proposed Black Hawk acquisition would represent a major change for Argentina’s Army Aviation.
Beyond military transport, the requested equipment points to a broad mission set. The rescue hoist, fast-rope system, cargo hook and Bambi Bucket would allow the helicopters to support rescue missions, rapid troop deployment, external-load operations and firefighting.
The U.S. State Department also assessed that the proposed sale would support Argentina’s security capabilities without adversely affecting U.S. defense readiness.
However, the aircraft have not yet been delivered, and no firm delivery timetable has been publicly announced.
If the FMS process is completed, the UH-60L would become an important new component of Argentina’s military aviation fleet and provide the country with a proven medium-lift helicopter platform widely operated by the United States and international partners.
