The Lithuanian Armed Forces have taken delivery of their first two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters out of an order of four placed in 2020, with additional equipment, training, and maintenance support included. Delivery was initially scheduled for 2024 but was postponed to late 2025 without detailed explanation. The acquisition marks a significant modernization step as these US-made Black Hawks will replace older Soviet-era Mil Mi-8 helicopters, aligning Lithuania’s military more closely with NATO standards. The UH-60M Black Hawk can carry a maximum of 12 fully equipped personnel and 9,000 pounds of cargo. According to Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence, the new helicopters will improve the army’s operational readiness, training effectiveness, and overall mission capabilities, enabling faster, safer, and more precise deployment. These helicopters will be based at the Šiauliai Air Base, a key NATO Baltic air policing site. This move enhances Lithuania’s cooperation with NATO allies that also use Black Hawks, including Latvia and Croatia, consolidating regional defense interoperability.
