With the aim of strengthening the operational capabilities of the National Police of Peru (PNP), the United States government carried out the donation of three UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters, the first of a total of nine units that will be transferred to the institution. The aircraft were officially received at the Decentralized Aviation Unit of Pucallpa, in Ucayali, by the General Commander of the PNP, General Víctor José Zanabria Angulo, who highlighted the impact this incorporation will have on the fight against drug trafficking and on humanitarian support tasks.
This delivery marks a significant advancement in the cooperation agreement signed between both countries, formalized in November of last year, after more than six years of negotiations. The arrival of the helicopters represents a concrete response to the needs for mobility, rapid deployment, and assistance in hard-to-reach areas by the Peruvian police forces.
The UH-60A is the first operational version of the iconic Black Hawk, a medium utility helicopter developed by Sikorsky as a replacement for the Bell UH-1 Huey and widely used by the United States armed forces and other allied countries. It is equipped with two General Electric T-700-GE-700 engines, which provide it with excellent performance in demanding conditions, allowing it to operate at high altitudes and in extreme climates. It has the capacity to transport up to 11 fully equipped personnel or a significant payload, making it ideal for both tactical operations and rescue or evacuation missions.
In addition to the helicopters, the agreement includes a comprehensive package of technical and logistical support from the U.S. government. This encompasses maintenance, specialized advisory, provision of spare parts, tools, ground support equipment, and a management information system (MIS), as well as the training of personnel responsible for operating and maintaining the aircraft.
In return, Peru commits to permanently assign pilots, maintenance technicians, and administrative personnel to the Pucallpa base, thus ensuring the continuous and safe operation of this new air capability. With this donation, the Police Aviation Directorate (Diravpol) significantly strengthens its fleet, incorporating a high-performance platform that will enhance its response capacity in internal security operations, territorial control, and humanitarian assistance in vulnerable regions of said country.
*Image credits: National Police of Peru
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