Mexico is moving to acquire 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States, in a deal valued at an estimated US $1.075 billion.

The purchase will modernize Mexico’s helicopter fleet by expanding its existing Black Hawk fleet, which the U.S. sees as being in its own best interest. 

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of an ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in North America,” the State Department said in a statement. 

“In addition, the procurement will reinforce U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations and strengthen Mexico’s capability to provide in-country airlift support for its forces engaged in counter-drug operations,” it added.

Although the State Department has authorized the potential sale, the transaction is not yet finalized. But Mexico’s Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said that the purchase process is underway and that the aircraft units are expected to arrive in 2028 and 2029.

The State Department said the principal contractor will be Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, located in Stratford, CT. 

According to Trevilla, the aircraft would support tasks under the DN-III-E Plan for rescue work in weather emergencies, as well as firefighting efforts, troop transport, and air ambulance operations.

Sheinbaum emphasized the need to acquire more aircraft for rescue work, recalling that last year “the country saw the most significant air bridge ever established” in response to the emergency caused by heavy rains in five states. 

During that crisis, helicopters had to be called in from other regions, leading the president to suggest that the Navy and Defense Ministries buy more aircraft. 

But the aircraft is designed for military use, and the purchase included weaponry, military equipment, training and logistical support. 

The potential transaction comes amid increased bilateral Mexico-U.S. coordination against organized crime. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson has described the cooperation “historic,” highlighting their efforts to dismantle drug and arms trafficking networks.

With reports from El Economista, and Defensa.com