Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation confirmed Thursday a delivery of two S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to the Colombian Armed Forces, adding to the fleet of five already in the country.
According to Sikorsky, Colombia is the first country in South America to receive this model of helicopters and the first country in the world to field them.
Sikorsky delivered the two helicopters to Colombian Army officials during a ceremony in West Palm Beach, Florida, in the United States. Colombian aircrew then flew the two aircraft to a military base in Tolemaida, Colombia, near Bogota – a distance of almost 3000 miles.
The aircraft will be used in combat missions in Colombia’s ongoing internal armed conflict, which started in the 1960s and continues today. Peace talks between the government and the country’s largest rebel group FARC have been taking place in Havana, Cuba, for almost a year.
According to Sikorsky, Colombia is one of the world’s largest operators of Black Hawk helicopters.
Sources
- Colombia Takes Delivery of First S-70i™ BLACK HAWK Helicopters with Terrain Awareness and Warning Capability (Sikorsky Press Release)
- Colombia adquirió nuevos Black Hawks estadounidenses (Caracol Radio)
