The War Zone
• Jamie Hunter
Airbus and the U.S. Army are discussing four options for the Army’s 215 UH-72A Lakota trainers, including autonomous conversions for logistics and strike missions. Separately, Airbus is advancing the Lakota Connector uncrewed cargo helicopter, while Sikorsky has introduced its containerized Nomad 100 VTOL UAS concept for expeditionary operations in contested environments.
Military Aircraft Procurement
Latest source-backed stories
Airbus and the U.S. Army are discussing four options for the Army’s 215 UH-72A Lakota trainers, including autonomous conversions for logistics and strike missions. Separately, Airbus is advancing the Lakota Connector uncrewed cargo helicopter, while Sikorsky has introduced its containerized Nomad 100 VTOL UAS concept for expeditionary operations in contested environments.
The Army will test Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Degraded Visual Environment Pilotage System on an “MX” autonomous Black Hawk. Designed to see through dust, fog and smoke, the system is already flying with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, extending its evaluation to an autonomous aircraft.
The U.S. Army plans to acquire contractor-owned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), according to ch-aviation. The available report provides no details on the aircraft type, number, contractor or acquisition timeline.
Duncan Aviation will pre-stock 40 Gogo Galileo HDX low-Earth-orbit satcom systems under a deal the companies announced Oct. 13. Gogo called it its largest single MRO order this year; the inventory is intended to help Duncan meet customer requirements for business-jet connectivity upgrades.
Lockheed Martin and Avio agreed to expand U.S. solid rocket motor production for the Army’s Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile, aiming to boost output and ease supply constraints. Separately, Lockheed introduced PAC-3 Edge and is examining potential interceptor production options in Europe, including with Germany’s Diehl.
Army G-2 Andrew Evans told Breaking Defense that the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program is currently “completely” on cost and schedule. He warned that a continuing resolution could complicate plans for production, putting progress at risk amid the budget impasse.
Italy’s air force has ordered six Astore Levante armed drones from the Leonardo-Baykar joint venture. Certification is expected between late 2026 and early 2027, setting a timeline for the platform’s approval and entry into service.
Airbus Helicopters chief executive Matthieu Louvot supports revised outline performance requirements for NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability, including a speed increase. He says Airbus has identified the right aircraft architecture for the future military rotorcraft, signaling the company’s confidence in its approach as the alliance defines the program’s requirements.
Create a free account to see more recent Military Aircraft Procurement stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
