The United States approves $34.4 billion in arms sales to Mexico! Sold 11 Black Hawk helicopters to comprehensively upgrade anti-drug capabilities

The U.S. State Department officially finalized a major case on November 6, 2026, approving the sale of 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related military equipment to neighboring Mexico. The picture shows the Black Hawk helicopter currently in service in Mexico. (Picture: Taken from the website of the Mexican Ministry of Defense)

[Reporter Luo Tianbin/Taipei Report] The U.S. State Department officially finalized a major case on November 6, 2026, approving the sale of 11 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related military equipment to neighboring Mexico. The total value of this potential arms sale is as high as US$1.075 billion (approximately NT$34.4 billion). The main purpose of this major move by the U.S. government is to help Mexico upgrade its air transportation and combat cross-border crime capabilities, especially the rampant drug smuggling.

This arms sales case is very rich in content. In addition to 11 brand-new Black Hawk helicopters, 27 high-specification engines, advanced satellite communications and GPS navigation systems were also purchased in one go. In order to allow the helicopter to exert its maximum power on the front line, the United States has also sold machine guns, night vision goggles, laser calibration eyes, and even bulletproof armor and a special-purpose rapid rappel system are ready. In addition, the main contract will be executed by Sikorsky Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of well-known arms dealer Lockheed Martin.

In fact, Mexico itself has long had a sizable military helicopter fleet, ranking among the top three in air combat capabilities in Latin America. Because their military missions are mainly focused on domestic anti-drug, security and disaster relief, they rely heavily on utility helicopters. At present, in addition to the US-made Black Hawk helicopters, the core main force of the Mexican army also includes Super Puma helicopters manufactured by French Airbus, and some Mir series heavy transport helicopters purchased from Russia in the past.

However, since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war triggered severe international sanctions against Russia, the Russian-made helicopters in Mexico have begun to face the dilemma of being unable to find parts and having no one to repair them. This is why Mexico is eager to reach out to the United States this time and spend NT$34.4 billion to purchase new aircraft. Because they must speed up the pace, replace all these old Russian-made aircraft models that are almost immobile, and make the entire national defense fleet more European and American, so as not to leave a window of opportunity for anti-drug combat capabilities.

The U.S. State Department stated that this arms sale is in line with the United States' own political and economic interests. It will not only help its allies build modern defense capabilities, but also deepen the strategic partnership between the United States and Mexico. After evaluation, the United States also believes that the addition of these Black Hawk helicopters will not break the military balance in the surrounding area. In order to ensure seamless integration between the Mexican military and police, the United States will send 15 professional representatives to Mexico in the future to provide "one-stop" technical support from unpacking and assembly, flight training to logistical maintenance.