Kentucky National Guard upgrades MEDEVAC fleet with Black Hawk helicopters

Governor Andy Beshear has announced that the Kentucky National Guard is upgrading its MEDEVAC fleet with new HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. These aircraft replace the previous UH-60L models.

The new HH-60M model features externally mounted fuel tanks, which doubles the helicopter’s operational range and maximum flight time. This modification allows the aircraft to conduct longer search, rescue, and recovery missions without the need to stop for refueling, while preserving internal cabin space for medical equipment and patients.

Officials noted the importance of these upgrades for disaster response, citing previous large-scale rescue operations during the 2022 Eastern Kentucky floods and a 2025 flooding event in Martin County. The Guard advised residents that increased sightings of these helicopters may be due to routine training flights as part of fleet modernization.