Albania receives two Black Hawk helicopters from US Army
Albania will receive a total of three surplus US Army Black Hawk military helicopters. (Photo: Albanian MoD)
The Albanian Air Force has taken delivery of the first two of three UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters at Tirana/Rinas International Airport.
The Albanian MoD posted a video on YouTube on 13 January of the arrival of the military helicopters.
The Balkans nation announced it would receive three US Army surplus Black Hawks in April 2019, with an official contract signed in May 2020. The medium utility helicopters were part of a US support package for Albania, which joined NATO in 2009 and has been replacing outdated weaponry with new material in line with the alliance’s standards.
For an undisclosed fee, the US Army will train Albanian pilots and maintain the helicopters. The delivery date of the third and final Black Hawk has not been officially revealed.
Albanian Defence Minister Niko Paleshi said the arrival of the Black Hawks was a ‘clear sign’ that his country had been investing in its security.
Ahead of the helicopters’ arrival, Paleshi said: “[They are] a big investment and an important step that will give us the power and commitment needed to fulfil tactical missions and emergency operations more efficiently and safely.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Ukraine’s fighter fleet boosted with France’s Mirage 2000s and extra Netherlands’ F-16s
The first Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft have finally been delivered to Ukraine, as confirmed by France’s defence minister on 6 February. They will join the F-16s already in service to bolster Ukrainian air defence.
-
Indian defence budget boosted by 9% as MoD heralds a “year of reforms”
This new budget announcement, which has an increased focus on domestic procurement, comes as international countries arrive ahead of Aero India 2025.
-
Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
-
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.
-
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.