Sikorsky today announced that the Royal Thai Army has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) to acquire two UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopters through the United States Government’s Foreign Military Sales channel. Upon delivery, Thailand will become the first member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to fly the very latest version of the BLACK HAWK helicopter operated by the U.S. Army. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The UH-60M BLACK HAWK helicopter incorporates a variety of enhancements including a digital glass cockpit, advanced flight control system, a state-of-the-art communications suite, full night vision device capability for night operations, and other improvements that reduce pilot workload, increase lift, and provide better protection and enhanced survivability. Sikorsky expects to deliver its 500^th UH-60M helicopter to the U.S. Army this summer.

“The BLACK HAWK helicopter is the standard by which all military utility helicopters are judged, and the UH-60M represents the very latest, most comprehensively equipped model that we have ever developed and delivered to the United States government. More nations are increasingly discovering its multi-mission value, outstanding performance record, and durability even in the harshest and most hostile environments,” said Samir Mehta, President of Sikorsky Military Systems. In May 2011, Sweden became the first European country to acquire UH-60M aircraft.