Sikorksy lands new UH-60 Black Hawk order for Mexico

WASHINGTON, April 12 (UPI) -- Sikorsky Aircraft, now a division of Lockheed Martin, has received a U.S. Army contract to build seven specialized variants of its UH-60M Black Hawk combat helicopter for the Mexican military.

The $54 million contract, through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, will cover the construction and modification of the "uniquely configured" Black Hawks for Mexico, according to a Defense Department contract notice.

All seven Black Hawks are expected to be delivered by February 2019.

The contract did not provide details as to what specialized capabilities Mexican military officials have requested for the new combat helicopters. Mexico has routinely used its existing Black Hawk fleet for border protection and counternarcotics operations in the country.

The Mexican military currently has six Black Hawk helos in their fleet, with pending deals to procure more for the country's navy and air force. Last March, the State Dept. approved the sale of three UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.