The United States has approved the sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina in a deal valued at approximately $140 million (£103 million). The U.S. State Department confirmed the potential foreign military sale on Thursday.
This sale occurs weeks after former President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. might not aid Britain in the event of an Argentine invasion of the Falkland Islands. Trump had criticized Britain's military cooperation and stated that the UK was not "doing well" and had failed to "help" with military campaigns, referencing his own past challenges.
U.S. officials stated that the helicopter sale aligns with American foreign policy goals and national security objectives by enhancing the security of Argentina, a key non-NATO ally considered a force for political stability and economic progress in South America. The acquisition is expected to bolster Argentina's capabilities in border security, counter-transnational crime, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The Black Hawk helicopters, with a standard range of 320 to 370 miles, can carry approximately 11 soldiers and can be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks to extend their range to about 950 miles. However, they possess limited armament and could be vulnerable to advanced fighter jets.
The deal provides a boost to Argentine President Javier Milei, who recently imposed sanctions on oil companies drilling in the Sea Lion oilfield, located near the Falkland Islands. Milei has expressed optimism about Argentina's territorial claims and vowed to establish a new military base in Tierra del Fuego as part of an increasing military alliance with the United States.
In response to escalating tensions, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham reiterated his commitment to defending the Falkland Islands and respecting the rights of the islanders to remain British. The U.K. has historically prohibited the export of weapons and components to Argentina due to competing sovereignty claims over the islands. It remains unclear if the Foreign Office was aware of the U.S. helicopter sale, which includes advanced navigation and radar systems.
