Purchase of nine Black Hawk helicopters approved

Slovakia's Security Council and the Government have approved a contract for procuring nine American Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk military helicopters for almost €240 million. The first Black Hawk could be delivered next year. Defence Minister Martin Glváč stated that through this Slovakia isn't only buying helicopters but also acquiring all strategic elements including ground personnel, training, logistics and maintenance. According to Air Force Commander Miroslav Korba, the new helicopters are multifunctional. They have night vision, can transport more materials, are more efficient and require less maintenance. According to US Ambassador to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick, the purchase of the Black Hawks will strengthen the partnership between Slovakia and the United States. Ľubomír Galko, Vice-Chair of the opposition Freedom and Solidarity and former defence minister claims that "it's questionable, whether these helicopters aren't just a luxury solution for domestic crisis management, personnel and cargo transport in Slovakia," said Galko, adding that had there been international competition its possible there would be better options.