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US Approves $140 Million Black Hawk Sale to Argentina as Falklands Tensions Escalate
State Department clears four refurbished UH-60L helicopters for Argentine Army, signaling alignment with Milei amid London-Buenos Aires dispute over sovereignty.
The US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and support equipment to Argentina on September 10, with a notified ceiling of $140 million. The package includes two spare turboshaft engines, avionics, navigation systems, rescue hoists, training, and logistical support. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is the principal contractor. The sale now proceeds to Congressional review as part of standard Foreign Military Sales process. Argentina has sought Black Hawks to replace its aging Bell UH-1H and Huey II helicopter fleet, some aircraft dating to the 1960s. Defense Minister Carlos Alberto Presti confirmed negotiations in June 2026, initially targeting delivery of two units by year-end. This marks Argentina's first military Black Hawk acquisition—the country previously operated only a single Black Hawk used for presidential transport. The US State Department's rationale emphasized strengthening Argentina's capacity for border security, counter-transnational crime, and humanitarian disaster response. State also noted Argentina as a major non-NATO ally contributing to regional stability and economic development in South America. No additional US personnel would be required in Argentina to implement the sale. The timing coincides with Argentine President Javier Milei's escalation of claims to the Falkland Islands, including threats against oil companies operating near the archipelago. Milei is capitalizing on comments from President Trump suggesting Washington could reconsider its neutral stance on Falklands sovereignty—a shift from decades of US policy. The approval, announced by US Ambassador Peter Lamelas on social media as evidence of strengthening US-Argentina defense ties, comes as Milei faces domestic political pressure on the Falklands from his opposition. The actual purchase price remains undefined; Argentine media reports cite an estimated value around $40 million against the $140 million congressional notification ceiling. Final contract terms depend on equipment and services eventually purchased. Argentina's defense budget remains constrained, allocating roughly 0.28% of GDP for 2026, though it aims toward a 2% combined defense and internal security allocation.