Defence Helicopters news
-
NewsOsprey returns to carrier flight decks under USMC recertification effort
US Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys are once again operating from the decks of the navy’s light carrier amphibious assault ships, as the service progresses toward recertifying its tiltrotors and crews after a three-month grounding order was lifted.
-
NewsSingapore H225Ms, CH-47Fs declared fully operational
Airbus Helicopters H225Ms and Boeing CH-47F Chinooks in service with the Republic of Singapore Air Force have attained full operational capability status.
-
NewsUS Army orders pilot proficiency training after 10 non-combat fatalities in six months
The service has ordered mandatory safety training for its rotary-wing aviation forces, after 12 non-combat crashes in the past six months resulted in 10 fatalities.
-
In depthGovernment auditors criticise US Coast Guard plan to consolidate rotary fleet
The US Coast Guard, which performs both law enforcement and military missions, is in the midst of consolidating its multi-platform rotary-wing aviation fleet to a single helicopter type, with an eye toward greater efficiency.
-
NewsITP renews T700 overhaul contract with Colombian armed forces
ITP Aero has signed a contract extension with the Colombian ministry of defence covering overhaul services for the GE Aerospace T700 engines that power the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters operated by its armed forces.
-
NewsCanada announces $13.5bn helicopter modernisation plan
Under a new strategy to boost defence spending and modernise the Canadian military, Ottawa will spend some $13.5 billion over 20 years to acquire a new helicopter fleet.
-
NewsNorway outlines plans for maritime surveillance UAVs amid proposed defence spending rise
Norway is to acquire a fleet of “long-range” uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) for maritime surveillance missions as part of a proposed long-term increase in defence spending.
-
NewsGreece confirms intent to purchase 35 UH-60Ms from Sikorsky
Athens signed an official letter of offer and acceptance to procure 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from Sikorsky, a deal that has already received export approval from the US government.
-
NewsZambia welcomes new Enstrom 480B helicopters
Zambia’s air force has inaugurated a pair of Enstrom 480B light-single helicopters into its fleet.
-
NewsSafran extends RTM322 support deal for UK Merlin helicopter fleet
Safran Helicopter Engines will continue to support the RTM322 turboshafts powering the Royal Navy’s fleet of Leonardo Helicopters AW101 Merlins for a further six years under a new contract.
-
NewsBell begins electrical upgrades to USMC H-1 fleet with eye toward future weapons
The Structural Improvement Electrical Power Upgrade for Bell UH-1Y Venom utility and AH-1Z attack helicopters will increase each aircraft’s electrical power capacity to support the integration of additional weapon systems and cabin capabilities.
-
NewsNorth Macedonia signs almost €250m contract for Leonardo military helicopters
North Macedonia has finalised a contract to acquire four Leonardo Helicopters AW149s and the same number of AW169Ms, with deliveries to start in 2026.
-
In depthCongress gives extra $3bn to Pentagon for aircraft procurement
Six months behind schedule, lawmakers in Washington have agreed to a spending plan for the US military that includes new P-8 maritime patrol jets from Boeing, more Combat Rescue Helicopters from Sikorsky and over $2 billion for a sixth-generation fighter programme.
-
NewsGreece welcomes first MH-60Rs and eyes approval for Black Hawk buy
Greece has inaugurated its first three of seven Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters into naval service.
-
AnalysisHow combat helicopter losses in Ukraine brought down US Army’s FARA strategy
Washington is renewing its investment in current rotorcraft platforms instead of funding a high-speed armed scout – but do lessons from the war in Ukraine support its decision?
-
NewsCroatia to take another eight Black Hawks
Croatia has ordered another eight Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks, adding to four examples already in service.
-
NewsEurope plans flight tests as part of future military rotorcraft research
European defence officials are calling for a series of flight and ground demonstrations in the coming years of technologies to equip a future rotorcraft for service entry in the 2030s.
-
NewsLeonardo mulls future for legacy helicopter platforms under updated industrial plan
Leonardo appears to be keeping all options open – including potential divestments – in relation to certain of its legacy helicopter programmes.
-
NewsUK to proceed with at-risk Chinook purchase following cost reduction
The UK Ministry of Defence will continue with its planned acquisition of 14 extended-range CH-47 Chinook transport helicopters from Boeing, after agreeing a significant price reduction from Washington.
-
NewsBell extends H-1 production with $455m attack helicopter order from Nigeria
The US rotorcraft manufacturer finalised a contract to provide the Nigerian air force with 12 of the latest AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.