The first batch of the initial 53 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks ordered by Afghanistan was delivered on September 18. The Black Hawks will replace Russianbuilt Mil Mi-17 Hip helicopters currently in service in Afghanistan. While the Mi- 17’s load-carrying capability, especially at high altitudes, is much appreciated in Afghanistan, standardisation on US-origin equipment allows for a single supply of spare parts and training.
David C Isby
