Black Hawk hangar under construction in Latvia

On Friday, February 6th, Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds visited the Lielvārde airbase  and took part in a ceremony to mark construction of a new helicopter hangar facility.

“The construction of a new technical hangar and a field is an important step in strengthening the capabilities of our Air Force. After the construction is completed, the hangar will primarily serve as a home for our UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and their personnel. The airfield will also be adapted for the maintenance and repairs of existing and future aircraft,” said Sprūds.

The ceremony involved the burial of a small 'time capsule' and the blessing of a military padre, according to pictures supplied by the Defence Ministry.

Within the framework of the medium-class helicopter replacement project, in which Latvia is buying four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States, the need for appropriate infrastructure for the operation of helicopters means a new technical hangar and landing field at Lielvārde are required at  acost of 13 million euros.

The heated helicopter hangar will be used to accommodate UH-60M helicopters, repair shops, warehouses and necessary orders. There will be work spaces for both flying and technical and engineering personnel, as well as supporting incoming units.

The construction contract was signed in June 2025 with the building company SIA “Mapi būve”. According to the plan, the hangar is scheduled to be put into operation in February 2027.