Portuguese Air Force, October 03, 2025 - Guntersville, Alabama - A Portuguese Air Force delegation traveled to Guntersville, Alabama, United States, on September 25 to carry out the provisional acceptance of the first UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter.
This aircraft is the first of three UH-60L (“Lima”) models ordered, equipped with T700-GE-701C engines, an external cargo hook system, and a weather radar.
The new helicopter will join the existing fleet of four UH-60A aircraft operated by Squadron 551 – “Panteras”, enhancing the state’s aerial firefighting capabilities. The acquisition is largely funded by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR) and strengthens national capacity to combat rural wildfires.
Given the demanding nature of these missions, Portuguese Air Force crews assigned to operate the Black Hawk will undergo an intensive and rigorous training program through 2026 to ensure the full operational capability is achieved under the highest safety standards.
In 2018, the Portuguese Government transferred responsibility for the state’s firefighting aviation assets to the Air Force. Following this decision, contracts were signed for the acquisition of nine UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The Air Force has so far received four units. With this provisional acceptance, the UH-60L will be transported to Air Base No. 8 (BA8) in Ovar in the coming days, increasing the active fleet to five helicopters.
This aircraft is the first of three UH-60L (“Lima”) models ordered, equipped with T700-GE-701C engines, an external cargo hook system, and a weather radar.
The new helicopter will join the existing fleet of four UH-60A aircraft operated by Squadron 551 – “Panteras”, enhancing the state’s aerial firefighting capabilities. The acquisition is largely funded by Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR) and strengthens national capacity to combat rural wildfires.
Given the demanding nature of these missions, Portuguese Air Force crews assigned to operate the Black Hawk will undergo an intensive and rigorous training program through 2026 to ensure the full operational capability is achieved under the highest safety standards.
In 2018, the Portuguese Government transferred responsibility for the state’s firefighting aviation assets to the Air Force. Following this decision, contracts were signed for the acquisition of nine UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The Air Force has so far received four units. With this provisional acceptance, the UH-60L will be transported to Air Base No. 8 (BA8) in Ovar in the coming days, increasing the active fleet to five helicopters.
UH-60L Black Hawk 29807 ( Força Aérea Portuguesa )
See also |
UH-60A/L in
Força Aérea Portuguesa 
Ace Aeronautics State of Alabama Esq 551
Esquadra 551 Força Aérea Portuguesa Portuguese Air Force Portuguese Air Force Receives First UH-60L Black Hawk
