The sixth UH-60 Black Hawk to be operated by the  Portuguese Air Force has been delivered to Ovar Air Base. Following the provisional acceptance of the aircraft the helicopter will undergo a testing phase in the coming weeks until final acceptance by the Air Force.

This is the second UH-60 Black Hawk in the "Lima" version received by the Air Force to reinforce Squadron 551 "Panthers". 

The main changes compared to the "Alpha" version involve new engines and a new gearbox, which allow for an increase in the aircraft's operational lifespan. 

The "Lima" version also features an increase in maximum takeoff weight of approximately 680 kilograms, greater suspended load capacity of 450 kg. and improved performance in high temperature and altitude conditions. In addition to these technical improvements, the UH-60L Black Hawk is equipped with weather radar, enhancing its ability to fly in any weather condition, and is also equipped with an external winch, which will allow it to perform search and rescue missions.

This helicopter was transported on a KC-390 aircraft of the PAF from Huntsville, Alabama, after making stops at PAF Base Lajes and in Rhode Island, USA.

The UH-60 Black Hawk will be operated by Squadron 551 "Panthers", whose main mission is aerial firefighting in rural areas and transport 12 personnel.

The arrival of this UH-60L Black Hawk will reinforce the resources that will allow the State to progressively build its own capacity to combat rural fires, the operational implementation of which is scheduled to begin later this year.

In 2018 The Portuguese Government transferred the management of state-owned resources intended for fighting the Air Force and contracts were signed for the acquisition of six UH-60 Black Hawk, mostly financed with funds from their Recovery and Resilience Plan.  In September 2024, the Air Force signed a new contract for the acquisition of three more UH-60 Black Hawks bringing the total fleet to nine aircraft.

Recently, a new public tender was launched for the acquisition of four additional units, intended for medical transport missions, with the expectation that the fleet will total 13 helicopters in the future.