Albania receives two Black Hawk helicopters from US Army

Image of Black Hawk helicopter recieved by Albanian military

Albania continues to replace its military weaponry in line with NATO standards, receiving the first two of three US Army Black Hawk military helicopters

The Albanian Air Force has taken in two out of the total three UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters at Tirana International Airport. Delivered by a US Air Force Boeing C-17A Globemaster III strategic airlifter, the military helicopters are now located at Rinas Air Base, near Tirana.

In 2019 the Balkan nation of Albania announced its plans to take on three US Army surplus Black Hawks with an official contract signed in May 2020. Originally part of a US support package for Albania (joiners of NATO in 2009), the medium utility has been upgrading weaponry to comply with the alliance’s standards.

According to Janes, Albania intends to use the UH-60s for utility, fast-roping, tactical transport, and aerial firefighting roles, to enable its crews to accumulate flight hours and experience with the anticipated acquisition of additional UH-60 helicopters in the future.

While the cost remains undisclosed, the US Army will conduct training for the Albanian pilots and assist in maintaining the helicopters.

Ahead of the helicopters’ arrival, according to Albanian Daily News, Albanian Defense Minister Niko Paleshi said: “[They are] a big investment and an important step that will give us the power and commitment needed to fulfill tactical missions and emergency operations more efficiently and safely.”

The Black Hawks will join the Albanian military helicopter’s existing fleet of eight Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105E-4s, seven Agusta-Bell AB206C-1s, five Agusta-Bell AB205A-1s, one Agusta A109C, as well as four AS532AL Cougar helicopters and three Airbus Helicopters EC145s.

Albania joins fellow NATO countries Croatia, Greece, Romania, and Turkey, becoming the fifth Balkan user of the UH-60 Black Hawk.