The Brazilian Army is reportedly planning to order 12 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from Stratford-headquartered Sikorsky Aircraft.
According to an Air Data News report, the army”™s plans were leaked to the Brazilian media and have yet to be officially confirmed. The new helicopters would replace for UH-60L Black Hawks acquired in 1997 and used for territorial surveillance missions in the Amazon. Also being replaced by the new aircraft are eight Airbus AS532 UE Cougar models that were received in 2002 and are now considered outdated.
The decommissioning process for the 12 older helicopters is expected to occur between 2024 and 2029. It is uncertain when the new helicopters will be delivered, with one Brazilian media site claiming a 2025 deadline and other sources stating their arrival will take place in 2028.
Photo courtesy Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Kosterman / Department of Defense
