In accordance with the agreements for the transfer of Russian-made (or ex-Soviet) material signed last January, the United States will deliver an undetermined number of Sikorsky UH-60A/L Black Hawk helicopters to Ecuador.
The transfer of these aircraft is in turn due to the transfer of the Russian Helicopters Mil-Mi-171 and 17-1V of the Ecuadorian Army, currently with minimal operational availability (only one unit flying), due to maintenance problems and procurement of parts and spare parts.
With this delivery, the Ecuadorian Armed Forces will become the sixth Black Hawk operator in Latin America (Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and Chile). Once received, they will be deployed in the fight against terrorist organizations that commit crimes in this nation.
The United States will provide technical assistance for the management of the platform, through training processes for new crews, advice, logistical support, supply of parts, components and spare parts, as well as training of the personnel who will be in charge of its maintenance, all of the above in order to guarantee the operation of these aircraft.
It should be noted that, as announced by President Daniel Noboa, binational agreements involve the delivery of material to receive in exchange new U.S. manufacturing systems and constant assistance processes.