The United States has agreed to sell four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina for an estimated $140 million (£103 million), the U.S. State Department confirmed on Thursday. The foreign military sale comes weeks after President Donald Trump indicated he might not provide assistance to the United Kingdom if Argentina were to invade the Falkland Islands again.
The U.S. has historically maintained a neutral stance on the Falklands dispute. However, President Trump recently suggested a review of this position, which some interpreted as a tactic to pressure the UK into greater military cooperation. Trump remarked that Britain was not "doing well" and had failed to "help" with a military campaign against Iran, referencing the 1982 Falklands War and stating, "Your country was not there to help me."
US officials stated that the sale will support America's "foreign policy goals" and "national security objectives" by enhancing the security of a "major non-Nato ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in South America." The helicopters are intended to improve Argentina's capacity to address border security, counter transnational crime, and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
Black Hawk helicopters have a range of approximately 320 to 370 miles, extendable to about 950 miles with auxiliary tanks, and can carry up to 11 soldiers. The U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters fly over Baghdad.
This acquisition by Argentina occurs as President Javier Milei recently imposed sanctions on oil companies operating in the Sea Lion oilfield, located near the Falkland Islands. Milei has also expressed aspirations for Argentina's claim to the islands and vowed to establish a new military base in Tierra del Fuego, furthering Argentina's military alignment with the United States.
In response to the escalating tensions, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated his commitment to defending the Falkland Islands and respecting the rights of the islanders to remain British. The Ministry of Defence indicated it could not comment on the deal as it is US-based. It remains unclear if the Foreign Office was aware of the helicopter sale, which includes advanced navigation and radar systems. Historically, the UK has prohibited the export of weapons or components to Argentina due to competing sovereignty claims over the Falklands.