Taiwan looking to buy 30 armed Black Hawks

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Army is reportedly planning to purchase 30 armed Black Hawk helicopters from the US and upgrade 30 of its existing UH-60M utility helicopters to carry weapons. According to the defense procurement list announced by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on April 6, the Army aims to acquire 30 new armed variants of the Black Hawk while retrofitting 30 currently in-service general-purpose UH-60M Black Hawks, per Liberty Times. The upgraded helicopters may be equipped with night vision systems, integrated infrared electro-optical reconnaissance equipment, and multifunction weapon mounts capable of carrying up to six weapon systems, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and heavy machine guns. Shu Hsiao-huang (舒孝煌), an associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, told Liberty Times that although the Black Hawk was originally developed as a transport helicopter, arming it allows for preliminary fire suppression in special operations. In littoral combat scenarios, the upgraded Black Hawks can deploy precision-strike weapons like Hellfire missiles to target enemy fast attack boats and shoreline positions, providing crucial support for ground forces and amphibious operations. Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), a fellow at the same institute, told CNA that the attack-configured Black Hawks could perform anti-amphibious missions, provide rapid cross-theater support, and transport troops. He noted that these helicopters could be concealed in rear areas and then provide frontline support. The Hellfire missile’s 10-kilometer range allows strikes on enemy landing forces before they reach shore. Taiwan’s Army previously procured 60 Black Hawks from the US: 30 for the Army, and 15 each for the Air Force and the National Airborne Service Corps. Following the loss of two helicopters in crashes, 58 are currently in service. Su said the Army’s current fleet lacks armed variants, which limits its operational flexibility, especially for the Aviation and Special Forces Command. The proposed procurement could compensate for the units assigned to other services and significantly improve operational readiness. Given Taiwan’s current tariff negotiations with the US and evolving defense needs, Su said the purchase of 30 additional Black Hawks is a move that warrants serious consideration. Tamkang University Assistant Professor Lin Ying-yu (林穎佑) told CNA that Taiwan already operates two attack helicopter models, the Apache and Cobra. However, he said that in a real conflict, the Army would likely only be deployed after the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) had achieved air and sea superiority, raising concerns about helicopter survivability in such scenarios. Lin emphasized that drones are likely a more strategically important investment, though budget limitations must be taken into account. He also stressed the importance of properly planning training for new helicopter pilots as part of the broader procurement strategy.