Portugal has initiated the restoration of its Army aviation capability through the acquisition of refurbished UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters sourced from surplus US Army inventories. Procured through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, the agreement covers the modernization and delivery of three helicopters with the option to expand the fleet under future procurement phases. The upgraded aircraft will receive mission-specific equipment supporting tactical transport, casualty evacuation, special operations, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and wildfire suppression. Powered by twin General Electric T700 engines, the UH-60L offers significantly improved lifting performance, enhanced infrared signature reduction, and the ability to transport troops or heavy external loads. The programme represents an important milestone in rebuilding Portugal’s rotary-wing military capability after the dissolution of its Army Light Aviation Group more than a decade ago.
