The ceremonial acceptance ceremony of the first two new UH-60M “Black Hawk” helicopters is taking place at the Aviation Base of the National Armed Forces in Lielvārde. Photo: Evija Trifanova/LETAC On Thursday, February 23, the dream became a reality – a solemn reception ceremony for “Black Hawk” helicopters took place at the Lielvārde air base, according to the commander of the National Armed Forces (NBS), Leonids Kalniņš.
The ceremony could be reduced to the level of a daily routine event, but these helicopters are a huge step in the development of Latvia’s military air capabilities, when “we arrive at a clear structure consisting of specialists, infrastructure, aircraft and high professionalism”.
Photo: Latvia receives US Black Hawk helicopters
The purchase of aircraft gives a huge development step. This is the first step, so the commander is confident that we will see further progress in the development of the capability.
Minister of Defense Ināra Mūrniece (NA) stated that in 1919, when the aviation regiment of the armed forces was established, the defense capabilities of the country were strengthened. After the restoration of independence, understand that the armed forces must be formed so that the occupation does not repeat itself and control of the airspace is necessary.”
The minister also pointed out that US-made helicopters were a distant, hard-to-reach dream and now we can be proud of its realization. The Air Force is modernizing, besides, this project is an excellent example of Latvia’s cooperation with the USA, and the minister hopes that there will be more new projects.
It has already been reported that in September 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers supported the purchase of four new “Black Hawk” helicopters worth approximately 175 million euros, concluding an intergovernmental agreement with the USA.
On December 11, 2022, the US Armed Forces delivered the first two of the four “Black Hawk” helicopters ordered by Latvia, while the delivery of the remaining two helicopters is planned by the end of this year.
