Portuguese Air Force, October 09, 2025 - This afternoon, on October 9, at 6:10 p.m., another UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter arrived at Air Base No. 8 (BA8) in Ovar to be operated by the Portuguese Air Force.
This is the fifth UH-60 Black Hawk received by the Air Force to reinforce Squadron 551 – “Panteras.” It is the first in the “Lima” version, which differs from the four previously delivered “Alpha” models. The main changes include new engines and a new gearbox, extending the aircraft’s operational lifespan. Compared to the “Alpha” version, this new “Lima” model features an increased maximum take-off weight of about 680 kilograms, greater external load capacity – over 450 kilograms – and improved performance in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions. In addition to these technical upgrades, the UH-60L Black Hawk is equipped with a weather radar, enhancing flight capability in all weather conditions, and an external hoist for search-and-rescue missions.
The new helicopter was transported aboard an Air Force KC-390 aircraft that departed on Tuesday, October 7, bound for Huntsville, Alabama, USA, with technical stopovers at Air Base No. 4 (Lajes) and in Rhode Island. The return flight began today, October 9, flying directly back to BA8.
The UH-60 Black Hawk will be operated by Squadron 551 – “Panteras,” whose main missions include aerial firefighting and troop transport, with the ability to carry up to 12 personnel and 2,950 liters of water for firefighting operations.
Given the demanding nature of these missions, the Air Force crews responsible for operating the UH-60 Black Hawk will continue their rigorous training until 2026 to consolidate this new capability and ensure safe, proficient operations.
It should be recalled that, in 2018, the Portuguese government transferred the state’s firefighting air assets to the management of the Air Force. Following that decision, contracts were signed for the acquisition of six UH-60 Black Hawks, largely financed through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The first four helicopters from that initial contract have already been delivered to the Air Force.
Subsequently, in September 2024, the Air Force signed another contract to acquire three additional UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, increasing the total fleet to nine aircraft.
All upcoming helicopters to be received will be in the new “Lima” version.
This is the fifth UH-60 Black Hawk received by the Air Force to reinforce Squadron 551 – “Panteras.” It is the first in the “Lima” version, which differs from the four previously delivered “Alpha” models. The main changes include new engines and a new gearbox, extending the aircraft’s operational lifespan. Compared to the “Alpha” version, this new “Lima” model features an increased maximum take-off weight of about 680 kilograms, greater external load capacity – over 450 kilograms – and improved performance in high-temperature and high-altitude conditions. In addition to these technical upgrades, the UH-60L Black Hawk is equipped with a weather radar, enhancing flight capability in all weather conditions, and an external hoist for search-and-rescue missions.
The new helicopter was transported aboard an Air Force KC-390 aircraft that departed on Tuesday, October 7, bound for Huntsville, Alabama, USA, with technical stopovers at Air Base No. 4 (Lajes) and in Rhode Island. The return flight began today, October 9, flying directly back to BA8.
The UH-60 Black Hawk will be operated by Squadron 551 – “Panteras,” whose main missions include aerial firefighting and troop transport, with the ability to carry up to 12 personnel and 2,950 liters of water for firefighting operations.
Given the demanding nature of these missions, the Air Force crews responsible for operating the UH-60 Black Hawk will continue their rigorous training until 2026 to consolidate this new capability and ensure safe, proficient operations.
It should be recalled that, in 2018, the Portuguese government transferred the state’s firefighting air assets to the management of the Air Force. Following that decision, contracts were signed for the acquisition of six UH-60 Black Hawks, largely financed through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The first four helicopters from that initial contract have already been delivered to the Air Force.
Subsequently, in September 2024, the Air Force signed another contract to acquire three additional UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, increasing the total fleet to nine aircraft.
All upcoming helicopters to be received will be in the new “Lima” version.
UH-60L Black Hawk 29807 ( Força Aérea Portuguesa )
Ovar See also |
UH-60A/L in
Força Aérea Portuguesa Portuguese Air Force Accepts First UH-60L Black Hawk
