Lockheed Martin has delivered the Brazilian Army’s first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, marking a major milestone in the country’s 12-aircraft acquisition signed in 2024. The delivery supports Brazil’s efforts to strengthen its rotary-wing capabilities across a wide range of missions, including troop transport, medical evacuation, disaster response, and search-and-rescue operations. The new helicopters will enhance operational flexibility for both military and humanitarian tasks, particularly in Brazil’s challenging terrain and vast geographic expanse. The handover also reflects more than two decades of cooperation between Brazil and Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin’s subsidiary and the original developer of the Black Hawk. Brazil first introduced the platform into service in 1997, and Sikorsky has continued to support fleet sustainment and modernization ever since. The UH-60M complements existing UH-60L variants already operated by the Brazilian Air Force, improving interoperability across the country’s armed forces. Technically, the UH-60M offers improved payload capacity, speed, and survivability. Powered by twin GE T700-GE-701C/D engines, the helicopter can carry up to 11 troops, lift nearly 9,000 pounds externally, and operate at speeds of up to 160 knots. Its ability to carry a wide array of weapons further enhances its mission versatility.
