Lithuanian military Black Hawk crews conduct first combat firing drills

Lithuanian Air Force crews operating the newly acquired UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have carried out their first live-fire combat exercises since the aircraft arrived in the country, the Lithuanian military announced.

The three-day training involved various combat shooting scenarios, with crews practicing weapon handling, target acquisition, and fire control procedures using M240H 7.62 mm machine guns, which are specifically adapted for the Black Hawk platform.

Emphasis was placed on safety, communication between pilots and door gunners, and coordination—key elements for combat, special, and troop transport operations. The drills allowed pilots and crew members to train under realistic conditions to perform fire support missions from a helicopter, improving accuracy, decision-making, and teamwork.

The military noted that these exercises mark an important step in integrating the Black Hawk helicopters into Lithuania’s armed forces, significantly enhancing mobility, combat readiness, and the ability to conduct missions in line with NATO standards.