Lithuania has officially received the first two of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters ordered from the US in 2020. The order includes additional equipment, spare parts, and training packages, with an option to purchase two more helicopters. Originally planned for delivery in 2024, the schedule was delayed to October 2025. These helicopters will replace the Soviet-era Mi-8s currently in use by the Lithuanian Armed Forces, supporting Lithuania’s efforts to standardize its military equipment with NATO allies. Each Black Hawk can carry up to 12 fully equipped troops and has a payload capacity of 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms). The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence stated these helicopters will significantly enhance combat capabilities, training quality, and mission execution speed and safety. Lithuania’s Black Hawks will be stationed at Šiauliai Air Base, a central Lithuanian Air Force hub known for hosting multiple NATO Baltic Air Policing deployments. The acquisition will also foster interoperability with NATO partners operating Black Hawks, such as Latvia and Croatia.
