Saab to maintain UH-60 Black Hawks

LINKOPING, Sweden, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Saab of Sweden will provide technical maintenance and support for Black Hawk helicopters used by the country's military.

The contract was awarded by Sikorsky Aerospace Services of the United States and coincides with Sikorsky's delivery of the first two of 15 UH-60 Black Hawks ordered by Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration and their handover to the Swedish military.

"We are delighted about our collaboration with Sikorsky and the agreement strengthens our commitment to helicopter maintenance," said Lars-Erik Wige, head of the Support and Services business area at Saab. "We possess unique technical expertise with regard to support solutions and are certified to conduct helicopter operations.

"Combined with Saab's stable financial position, this will pave the way for success within the helicopter field. We look forward to a long term partnership with both Sikorsky and the Swedish Armed Forces."

The value of the contract was not disclosed, but Saab said it is establishing a maintenance organization to service the helicopters with support from Sikorsky.

The Black Hawks, which will carry the Swedish designation of HP 16, were ordered by Sweden 18 months ago.

"I'm very proud to welcome Helicopter 16," Sweden's Supreme Commander Sverker Goranson said at a handover ceremony Tuesday. "This system will play an important role within the helicopter battalion, not only nationally but also internationally.

"There is no doubt that Helicopter 16 will also strengthen the Armed Forces' ability for future operations."