On October 9, the Portuguese Air Force revealed that it has received its first UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter remanufactured in the United States for firefighting missions. The aircraft arrived in the afternoon at Air Base No. 8, located in Ovar. For the service, this marks the fifth Black Hawk received from its U.S. ally to strengthen Squadron 551, known as the “Panteras” (“Panthers”). However, it is the first to arrive in the “Lima” configuration, featuring several modifications that distinguish it from the earlier “Alpha” variants previously delivered.
Regarding the aircraft’s transfer from the United States to Portugal, the official statement explained that the helicopter was transported aboard a Portuguese Air Force KC-390, which departed on October 7 for Huntsville, Alabama. Along the route, the aircraft made stopovers at both Air Base No. 4 in Lajes and in Rhode Island.
Expanding on additional details, the Portuguese Air Force noted that this variant incorporates new engines and a new gearbox, both of which positively impact the platform’s service life—particularly valuable given the demanding environments in which it will operate. Moreover, the Lima variant offers an increased payload capacity at takeoff, amounting to an additional 680 kilograms (or 450 kilograms in the case of sling loads). The new UH-60L is also equipped with modern weather radar systems for improved performance under adverse weather conditions, and it includes an external hoist system for search and rescue operations.
In addition, each helicopter in the Lima variant will be able to carry up to 2,950 liters of water for firefighting missions, using a system specifically designed to be effective in rural environments. The helicopters can also transport up to 12 personnel onboard, allowing for the rapid deployment of rescue teams when required. In this regard, the Air Force stated that it is currently training both crews and operators to consolidate their skills ahead of 2026, ensuring the new fleet can be operated effectively and safely.
It is also worth mentioning that part of the personnel assigned to operate the platform in Portugal have been sent to Austria to participate in exercises throughout October, covering both helicopter operations and firefighting procedures. Specifically, between October 13 and 17, Portuguese crews trained in firefighting operations, while from October 20 to 24, they will focus on mountain flying and sling-load operations.
Finally, it should be recalled that the arrival of this new helicopter—along with future UH-60L Lima variants to be delivered to Portugal—falls under the framework of the country’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Lisbon’s decision to acquire these platforms stems from the need to replace its retired Russian-built Kamov Ka-32 helicopters, which were transferred to Ukraine as part of a military assistance package. Those aircraft had previously carried out Portugal’s firefighting missions. In total, including the previously received Alpha variants, Portugal will operate a fleet of nine new Black Hawks.
Image credits: Portuguese Air Force
