Latvian Black Hawk Crews Enhance Combat Capabilities with U.S. Training
Latvian air force crews have recently completed their first aerial gunnery training, significantly enhancing their combat capabilities along NATO’s eastern flank. The training, conducted this month, was facilitated by U.S. Army aviators and focused on utilizing the M240H machine gun from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, adhering to the same standards as U.S. Crews.
This initiative reflects a broader U.S. Effort to bolster the capabilities of its Baltic allies amid heightened concerns regarding potential Russian aggression. Latvia is actively working to close capability gaps and build a rapidly deployable force.
Establishing Latvia’s Aerial Gunnery Program
U.S. Soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Camp Adazi in Latvia, led the training program. Prior to live-fire exercises, Latvian crews received comprehensive instruction on weapons handling, safety protocols, and proper firing techniques. This included procedures for clearing weapons and maintaining accurate firing direction.
“This task is a completely new line of effort in our mission-essential task list, and we will be able to complete those tasks on our own,” stated Latvian air force Commander Col. Viesturs Masulis.
Joint Training and Skill Refinement
The training involved both Latvian and U.S. Crews engaging ground targets from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. According to Maj. Aaron Koser with the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade’s Task Force Vipers, the training allows both sides to refine their skills and learn from each other.
“They fly, fight and maintain their aircraft to the same standards as we do, so we are going to take them out and train them on aerial gunnery to those standards,” Koser said. He further explained that the joint training provides an “external look” at training methods, allowing for the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as valuable feedback.
First Aerial Gunnery Training for Latvian Forces
This marked the first time Latvian forces have conducted aerial gunnery training with the M240 machine gun while operating within the UH-60 Black Hawk. The training, which began on March 13, 2026, and continued through March 18, 2026, represents a significant step forward in Latvia’s aviation firepower.
The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade is committed to supporting V Corps’ mission to strengthen partnerships through bilateral and multinational training opportunities, ultimately enhancing collective security and readiness.
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