Special Warfare Command Commando’s Black Hawk “Lobsters” Background – The Americans’ Response to 35 Helicopters

Four powerful, heavily armed Black Hawk helicopters fully equipped like those recently used by US Special Operations Forces in Sudan target Geetha and the Special Warfare Command. According to information from Newpost, the Americans have already assured the Greek staff that if it is agreed to acquire a total of 35 helicopters for the needs of the Air Force and the Special Warfare Command, the four Black Hawks intended for DEP will be delivered in the highest possible configuration, just as the staff wishes. Greeks.

Specifically, Black Hawks configured specifically for Greek Special Forces missions will have a full “package” of weapons, electronic systems and countermeasures exactly as delivered to US Special Operations units. Anti-tank missiles, Hellfire missiles and long-range, high-accuracy “killer” Spike Nlus missiles will equip the Greek Black Hawks as well as two multi-barrel machine guns, one on each side of the helicopter.

In addition, the electronic equipment of the helicopter will include, among other things, the latest generation Flares and Chaffs countermeasures, a missile warning system, satellite and encrypted communication systems as well as Link-16 for real-time data transmission. In fact, one of the helicopters is expected to have additional equipment that enables it to transform into a command, control and coordination center for forces on the ground and in the air.

Autonomy is also an important parameter for helicopters for special operations units. Thus, it is expected that the Black Hawks of the Greek SOF will have a system that will allow them to refuel in the air (refueling) so that they can operate continuously without having to land. Rouleau is expected to take a Chinook helicopter with an internal fuel tank to fuel the operating helicopters. This is the system already used by the US Army in SOF operations with the Chinook feeder helicopter called the “Fat Cow” because it carries a large amount of fuel for the Black Hawk.

Like the remaining 31 helicopters assigned to the Air Force, the Special Warfare Command’s four will cost, according to the Americans’ assurances, about the same as what the US military buys Black Hawks from.

The Greek document already ordered through LOR for the 35 BlackHawk helicopters is in the hands of the US authorities responsible for the equipment programs. According to Newpost’s information, the Answer is expected to arrive in Greece via LOA in the fall and will include all information about the configuration and equipment of the helicopters as well as costs in accordance with Greek crew requirements. The immediate dispatch of the Greek LOR and the quick response from the Americans enable Greece to win valuable time by securing the relevant “holes” in the production line, provided, of course, that the relevant contract is also signed without much delay. With this data, if the contract is signed through an interstate foreign military service agreement at the end of 2023 or in the first months of 2024, Greece will be able to receive its first Black Hawk even within 2027.

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a multi-role helicopter. It is a twin engine that can reach a maximum speed of 170 mph and has been primarily tested by the US Armed Forces in special combat missions in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. Evidence suggests that 84% of helicopter missions in Afghanistan and Iraq were carried out by the Black Hawk, a helicopter that can not only fly with a single engine, but also operate with mission completion. In addition, it has the ability even if all engine or transmission hydraulic fluids are lost to continue flying safely for half an hour at 4,000 feet with 11 people on board and crew until landing.

The third-generation helicopters feature fully digital technology and emit extremely low noise, which makes them particularly effective for special missions. With anti-vibration technology, it has a new cockpit consisting of four multi-function digital screens. Its more powerful motors combined with enhanced propellers give the Black Hawk the ability to operate under adverse conditions day and night. While anti-ballistic protection, countermeasures and self-protection systems with flares, flakes and missile warning raise the level of survivability on the battlefield.