The first American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters will enter service with the Lithuanian Armed Forces by summer.
This was stated by the Commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, quoted by LRT, writes “European Truth”.
During a conversation with journalists in the Lithuanian city of Rukla, Vaikšnoras announced that Lithuania will receive the first UH-60 Black Hawks by summer.
“By the summer of this year, we should receive the first Black Hawks, which will strengthen our air force and increase our ability to support ground forces,” he said.
Lithuania acquired UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in 2020. Last year, a hangar for storing, maintaining and servicing the helicopters was opened at the Šiauliai Air Base.
On January 17, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that the country plans to spend 5% to 6% of its GDP on defense in the period 2026-2030.
Newly elected US President Donald Trump confirmed that he considers it necessary for NATO members, including European ones, to spend 5% of GDP on defense.