The Argentine Army launched a tender for the acquisition of three used Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This purchase, which includes a comprehensive set of services and spare parts, seeks to provide the Army Aviation Directorate with multi-purpose aircraft, ready to operate in highly demanding scenarios.
The tender, identified with process number 84/7-0942-LPU24, was published today in the official website Comprar (comprar.gob.ar). Interested parties have 42 days to submit their proposals, since the bid opening ceremony is scheduled for January 13, 2025 at 08:00 am.
The Argentine Army (EA) is looking to use the UH-60s for a variety of missions including aerial assault, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, and civil support tasks such as firefighting.
Requirements established in the bid
These helicopters must be configured with visual and instrument flight capabilities (VFR/IFR), night vision goggles (NVG) and specialized equipment such as cargo hooks, rappel and fast-rope systems, as well as two 7.62 mm MAG machine gun shafts per aircraft and provision for auxiliary fuel tanks, both internal and external.
The tender specifies that the aircrafts must have been manufactured after 1990 and meet stringent technical standards. The helicopters will be delivered with an operational potential of at least 480 hours, having completed intermediate maintenance inspections (PMI). In addition, they must incorporate the latest technical improvements recommended by the manufacturer.
The material will be delivered to the Aircraft Supply and Maintenance Battalion 601, located in Campo de Mayo, under the terms of international trade Incoterm 2020, DAP condition. This guarantees that the successful bidder will be responsible for transportation and delivery at destination.
Training and support
The program also includes initial simulator training courses for pilots and co-pilots, while technical personnel will receive training in preventive and corrective maintenance. The courses will cover key systems such as engines, dynamic components and avionics, and will be conducted in Spanish.
In addition, the contract includes technical support for 36 months, with a representative stationed at Campo de Mayo to assist in the start-up and maintenance of the aircraft.
Finally, the aircraft must be backed by a warranty of 12 months or 960 flight hours, whichever comes first. The supplier must guarantee an initial stock of spare parts for both preventive and corrective maintenance, as well as the necessary logistics to meet critical needs in less than 96 hours.
Bidder eligibility
Companies registered in the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program of the United States, with verifiable experience in the maintenance of Sikorsky UH-60 helicopters, may participate. They must also have a workshop in Argentina that complies with the Military Airworthiness Regulations, with at least five years of experience in this type of aircraft.
A small step on the right path
Although the incorporation of only three used Black Hawk helicopters is insufficient to meet the urgent need to replace dozens of old UH-1 Huey helicopters, it represents a first, albeit modest, step towards modernization by the Argentine Army. This initiative aims at equipping the force with operational capabilities in accordance with international standards and 21st century warfare requirements.
As more resources are allocated for the modernization of the Argentine Army’s helicopter fleet, further UH-60 Black Hawk acquisitions are expected. However, a “one-for-one” replacement of the veteran UH-1 Huey seems unlikely. More probable is the prioritization of a dozen or more Black Hawk additions for high-demand missions, such as air assault and combat search and rescue (CSAR). For liaison and logistic support tasks, currently performed by the Huey, it would make sense to look for a more economical alternative.
In this regard, Airbus Helicopters has already offered its UH-72B Lakota, available through the FMS program, while India is keeping active its proposal for the HAL LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) MK-1 and the Dhruv medium utility helicopter. It should be recalled that in July 2023, the Argentine government signed a letter of intent with India to explore this option.
