Elbit secures $275m Asia-Pacific helicopter protection contract
Elbit Systems has secured $275 million in contracts from an undisclosed Asia-Pacific nation to supply helicopter self-protection systems over five years, coinciding with major upgrade efforts for South Korea’s rotorcraft fleet.
Malta signs deals for extra King Air maritime patrol aircraft and AW139 helicopter
The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing is to expand its fleets of Beechcraft King Air maritime patrol aircraft and Leonardo Helicopters AW139 rotorcraft, via follow-on contracts signed last month.
Boeing Australia appoints former RAAF air vice-marshal as president
Boeing Australia has appointed Steve Roberton, a former Royal Australian Air Force air vice-marshal and fighter pilot, as president for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, effective 5 January.
Bell advances to next stage of US Army trainer competition
Rotorcraft manufacturer Bell has become the first vendor to advance in the US Army’s Flight School Next competition, proposing its 505 light-single paired with comprehensive training services to replace the current Initial Entry Rotary-Wing programme based around the Airbus Helicopters UH-72A.
US Army developing Black Hawk overhaul plan to keep UH-60Ms flying beyond 2050
The US Army has issued a Request for Information seeking options for establishing a commercial production line to overhauling and upgrade its 2,300 UH-60M Black Hawks, aiming to keep the rotorcraft operational beyond 2050.
Lockheed Martin to reveal aircraft choice for US Army helicopter trainer bid in January
Lockheed Martin says it will disclose which aircraft it proposes as replacement for the US Army’s UH-72A Lakota trainer in January, as the company gears up to compete for the Flight School Next tender.
Brazilian army takes delivery of its first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter
Brazil’s army has formally taken delivery of its first Sikorsky UH-60M utility helicopter, one month after the rotorcraft arrived in the country aboard a US Air Force Boeing C-17 strategic transport.
USA approves $11.1bn Taiwan arms package including loitering munitions
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has outlined eight potential defence equipment sales to Taiwan totalling $11.1 billion, including $1.1 billion worth of Anduril loitering munitions and $96 million in spare parts for Bell AH-1W Cobra attack helicopters.
US government admits fault in deadly mid-air collision between airliner and army helicopter
The US government has formally admitted liability for the January 2025 collision between a US Army Black Hawk helicopter and a PSA Airlines CRJ700 near Ronald Reagan Washington National airport that killed 67 people, citing multiple failures by military and civilian authorities.
Spain formalises 100-unit order with Airbus Helicopters, becomes H175M launch customer
Spain has formalised a huge order for 100 new military rotorcraft, contracting Airbus Helicopters for a previously approved deal which comprises 50 H145Ms, 31 NH Industries NH90s, 13 H135s, and 6 H175Ms.