Airbus has secured a $315-million contract modification to provide logistics support and engineering services for the US Army’s UH-72 Lakota helicopters.
The project will take place in Grand Prairie, Texas, and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to the US Department of Defense.
Lakota’s mission capabilities include reconnaissance, counter-drug operations, and disaster response.
Additionally, the helicopters support training efforts of the Army National Guard at Fort Novosel in Alabama and other US training facilities across 49 states and territories.
Previous Contracts
The latest deal builds on several earlier contracts aimed at modernizing the US Army’s UH-72 Lakota fleet.
In 2023, Airbus signed a $27.8 million contract to upgrade 50 UH-72A helicopters with new digital interfaces, mission management systems, and monitors.
In 2022, Safran Helicopter Engines and Airbus renewed an agreement to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for 900 Arriel 1E2 and Arriel 2E engines powering the UH-72A and UH-72B helicopters.
UH-72 Lakota Unmanned Flight
Airbus is also developing a UH-72 Lakota prototype capable of flying unmanned missions for the US Marine Corps.
The initiative is part of the Aerial Logistics Connector Rapid Prototyping Program, which aims to deliver prototype aircraft for operational demonstrations and experiments.
Airbus completed the first unmanned UH-72 Lakota helicopter test in October last year at Station New River and Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The demonstration evaluated the platform’s ability to transport specialized cargo.
Similar tests are planned throughout this year.
