European helicopter modernisation advances in Latvia and Czech Republic
The two Latvian UH-60M helicopters were delivered by air in USAF C-17s. (Photo: Latvian Armed Forces)
Latvia has received its first UH-60M helicopter, while the Czech Republic has taken delivery of support equipment for its UH-1Y and AH-1Z fleets.
Latvia has received its first two Black Hawk helicopters, marking a significant upgrade to the country’s rotary-wing capabilities. The aircraft were delivered to the Latvian Air Force earlier this week.
These are the first of several Black Hawks that Latvia has ordered as part of a modernisation effort for its armed forces. In 2018, Latvia’s government ordered four UH-60M aircraft in a deal worth €175 million. These helicopters will replace the outdated Soviet Mi-17s.
Latvia’s Black Hawk pilots have undergone training for two years in Spain and the USA in preparation for the arrival of the rotorcraft. The next delivery is scheduled for 2023.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic has also progressed with its helicopter modernisation efforts. The country has received its first delivery of equipment and parts for its new helicopters.
This delivery of equipment is part of a larger deal to acquire H-1 aircraft, specifically equipment and spare parts for Bell UH-1Y and AH-1Z helicopters.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems]()
Saab’s flight-tested AI agents signal new era of crewed-uncrewed fighter systems
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
-
![US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable]()
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
-
![Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence]()
Connecting the layers: how networks can secure the future of European air defence
The rise of drones has reshaped the threat landscape for all European militaries. For industry, future defensive strategies must carefully balance a mix of passive and active measures to address the evolving danger, based around a highly integrated and responsive network of sensors and effectors.
