Slovakia takes ownership of Black Hawk helicopters

Following the arrival of the first two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters in Prešov on Monday, Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš announced that another two Black Hawks are due to be delivered from the USA next year and another five in 2019. "I'm immensely happy that the contract with the USA is being fulfilled ... The price has remained the same, including transport to Slovakia, i.e. $261 million," said Gajdoš in reference to the contract concerning nine helicopters in total. According to him, the two choppers that have already been delivered will serve for the training of further crews, but they will also be used for various non-military operations, including the putting out of fires, evacuations during floods and various rescue and search services. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry is considering buying additional weaponry for the utility helicopters, but this will depend on the availability of funds, added Gajdoš.