The Portuguese Army has signed an agreement with Miami-based Sahar Group to acquire surplus UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters previously operated by the US Army.
The contract, signed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, includes the refurbishment and modernization of an initial batch of three helicopters, with deliveries expected between late 2026 and mid-2028, according to Helis.com. The Portuguese government also retains the option to procure two additional helicopters under its Support, Protection and Evacuation Helicopters program.
The acquisition represents a significant step in rebuilding the Portuguese Army’s aviation capability, which has been absent since the Army Light Aviation Group was disbanded in 2015 because of budget limitations and delays in aircraft procurement.
Under the agreement, Sahar Group will overhaul the helicopters and integrate mission-specific systems before delivery. The upgraded Sikorsky aircraft will be configured to support tactical transport, medical evacuation, special operations, search and rescue, disaster relief, and wildfire suppression missions.
The UH-60L Black Hawk was introduced in 1989 as the successor to the UH-60A. Powered by two General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshaft engines generating 1,880 shaft horsepower each, the helicopter offers improved lifting capability and infrared exhaust suppression. It can carry external loads of up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms) while transporting up to 11 fully equipped troops. The aircraft has a cruising speed of 140 knots (161 mph/260 km/h), a maximum speed of 193 knots (222 mph/357 km/h), and a combat range of 315 nautical miles (362 miles/583 kilometers) on internal fuel.
