Defense & Military
Brazilian Army Receives First UH-60M Black Hawk Helicopter
Brazil accepts first UH-60M Black Hawk in $950M program to modernize fleet for Amazon missions, replacing older helicopters with upgraded tech.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and supplementary data from the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.
The Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro) has officially accepted the first of 12 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, marking the commencement of a significant fleet modernization program valued at approximately $950 million. According to an official announcement from Lockheed Martin on December 16, 2025, this delivery represents a critical step in upgrading Brazil’s airmobile capabilities, specifically for operations within the Amazon region.
While the official acceptance ceremony took place in mid-December, the aircraft physically arrived in Brazil on November 20, 2025. It was transported aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to Guarulhos International Airport before being ferried to the Army Aviation Command (CAvEx) in Taubaté for technical integration. The acquisition, facilitated through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) approved by the U.S. State Department in May 2024, aims to replace aging airframes that have served for over two decades.
The new fleet is designated to replace four older UH-60L Black Hawks and eight Airbus AS532 UE Cougars. By transitioning to the modern “M” variant, the Brazilian Army intends to streamline logistics and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces during joint exercises.
The transition from the legacy UH-60L to the UH-60M model offers specific performance advantages essential for Brazil’s challenging geography. The Amazon region, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, requires aircraft capable of “hot and high” performance. The new helicopters are equipped with T700-GE-701D engines, which provide increased power compared to the 701C engines found in the older fleet.
In addition to improved propulsion, the UH-60M features wide-chord rotor blades. These composite blades are more resistant to corrosion, a vital feature for tropical environments, and provide approximately 500 pounds of additional lift. The cockpit has also been modernized, moving from analog gauges to a fully digital “glass” cockpit, which reduces pilot workload and improves situational awareness through digital moving maps.
“The arrival of the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in Brazil is a proud moment in our ongoing partnership. These aircraft will play a critical role in supporting the Brazilian Army’s operations.”
Rich Benton, Vice President at Sikorsky
The 12 new helicopters will be assigned to the 2nd Army Aviation Battalion (2º BAvEx) based in Taubaté, with future deployments expected to support the 4th BAvEx in Manaus. Their mission profile is diverse, covering border security, counter-narcotics operations, and humanitarian relief efforts such as medical evacuations and disaster response during floods or landslides. Brazilian Army officials have highlighted that this purchase is not merely a replacement of inventory but a strategic enhancement of capability. Lt. Col. Leandro Batista de Oliveira, the Brazilian Army’s FMS Manager, noted the dual purpose of the acquisition: renewing the fleet for domestic support and maintaining alignment with international partners.
“This purchase was made to renew our fleet and maintain our capabilities to support Brazilian society… as well as to maintain interoperability between Brazil and the USA. The next step in this project is, in the near future, to weaponize our UH-60M to acquire attack capabilities.”
Lt. Col. Leandro Batista de Oliveira, Brazilian Army
We view the Brazilian Army’s decision to replace the Airbus AS532 Cougars with Sikorsky UH-60Ms as a significant move toward fleet standardization. Operating a mixed fleet of European and American utility helicopters often incurs higher maintenance and training costs. By consolidating around the Black Hawk platform, CAvEx can streamline its supply chains and pilot training programs.
Furthermore, Lt. Col. Oliveira’s comment regarding the future “weaponization” of these platforms suggests a shift in doctrine. While the Black Hawk is traditionally a utility transport, equipping the “M” model with offensive capabilities would allow it to serve as an armed escort for air assault missions in the Amazon, reducing reliance on dedicated attack helicopters which may lack the range or troop-carrying capacity required for deep jungle operations.
How many helicopters did Brazil order? What is the value of the contract? What aircraft are being replaced? When will the remaining helicopters be delivered?
Brazilian Army Modernizes Aviation with First Delivery of UH-60M Black Hawks
Technical Upgrades for Amazon Operations
Strategic Context and Future Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The Brazilian Army ordered a total of 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
The total value of the Foreign Military Sale is approximately $950 million.
The new UH-60Ms are replacing four older UH-60L Black Hawks (in service since 1997) and eight Airbus AS532 UE Cougars.
Following the first delivery in December 2025, the remaining 11 aircraft are scheduled for delivery through 2029.Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin