Brazil moves ahead with second-hand Black Hawk deal
An option for six more Black Hawks was said to be part of the FMS deal between Brazil and the US. (Photo: Brazilian MoD)
Brazil will replace its HM-3 Cougar and HM-2 Black Hawk helicopters with the second-hand UH-60s.
Brazil will progress with the acquisition of second-hand UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from US stock, as confirmed by Brazilian Army commander General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva.
Word of the potential purchase of 12 helicopters first emerged a few months ago and an FMS agreement has now been reached. An option for six more Black Hawks was said to be part of the deal but no value or delivery timeline has been disclosed about the deal.
The Lockheed/Sikorsky-made UH-60 utility helicopters will replace the service’s eight HM-3 Cougar and four HM-2 Black Hawk helicopters. Phasing out of these aircraft were approved last December.
Acquisition of the used US helicopters was part of the Army Strategic Program Army Aviation (Prg EE Av Ex).
The US Army has a considerable number of UH-60 Black Hawks in stock, available for purchase through programmes offered by the government. The demand for second-hand UH-60s could increase in the coming years, given the US Army’s decision to retire up to 157 Black Hawks and an anticipated investment in a new multi-year procurement deal with Sikorsky for a Black Hawk line.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
HM-3 Cougar & HM-2 Black Hawk (Replacement) [Brazil]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum]()
Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum
Windracers is using Eurosatory 2026 to showcase its ULTRA autonomous cargo aircraft following its selection for a major UK support package for Ukraine and growing government backing for drone operations.
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
