US Approves Black Hawk Helicopter Sale to Argentina
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress on September 10, 2026 of a possible sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to Argentina worth up to $140 million. These would be the Argentine Army’s first Black Hawks, beginning the replacement of an aging fleet of roughly 50 Bell UH-1H Hueys.
At a Glance
- Status: Officially notified, not yet final — the DSCA notice opened a 30-day congressional review window; no Letter of Offer and Acceptance has been signed yet.
- Scope: 4 UH-60L airframes, 2 T700-GE-701D engines, avionics, communications equipment, a hoist, FRIES rigging, a Bambi bucket, spare parts, training and logistics support.
- Value: up to $140 million.
- Purpose: border security, countering transnational crime, humanitarian and disaster-response missions.
Background
The Argentine Army has long sought a modern medium helicopter to replace its decades-old fleet of Bell UH-1H Hueys. DSCA’s Transmittal 26-79 starts the standard 30-day congressional review; if it passes without objection, both sides can sign a Letter of Offer and Acceptance to formalize the deal. Washington has emphasized that the package would strengthen Argentina’s capacity for border security, counter-transnational-crime operations and disaster response.
Defense spending across Latin America has trended upward this year, with Colombia’s $12 billion modernization plan — covering 80 aircraft including 17 Gripen fighters, 46 helicopters, 94 boats and 127 armored vehicles — standing out as one of the region’s largest single programs.
Regional Impact
Argentina’s Black Hawk purchase fits into a broader inventory-renewal wave across Latin America. Regional militaries are choosing among US, European and Chinese platforms, a diversity that shows growing competition among suppliers in the region. For Turkish industry, Latin America remains a modest but growing market — TAIS exports to Qatar and India and Baykar’s outreach across the continent suggest the regional supply map will keep diversifying in the years ahead.
FAQ
Is this a finalized sale? No. The DSCA notification is approval of a possible sale; the Letter of Offer and Acceptance can only be signed once the 30-day congressional review closes without objection.
When would the helicopters be delivered? No firm delivery schedule has been announced.
What fleet will these replace? The Argentine Army’s roughly 50-strong fleet of Bell UH-1H Hueys.
Sources
- Aviacionline, “United States approves sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to Argentina for USD 140 million,” 2026
- The Defense Post, “US Clears $140M Black Hawk Helicopter Sale to Argentina,” September 11, 2026
- Defence-Blog, “US approves $140 million Black Hawk helicopter sale to Argentina,” 2026
