Airbus wins US Army UH-72A Lakota upgrade contract
The US Army selected a version of the medium-sized, twin-engine H145, designated the UH-72A Lakota, in 2006 to meet requirements for a new Light Utility Helicopter. (Photo: Airbus)
The US Army has awarded Airbus a $27.8 million contract to modernise the Army National Guard Security & Support Battalion Mission Equipment Package (MEP).
These upgrades will allow the UH-72A Lakota medium-sized helicopter to conduct day and night operations by providing an advanced moving map, enhanced digital interfaces, new monitors, an airborne mission management system and other improvements.
‘This award provides pilots with significantly increased functionality and capability to carry out today’s demanding missions, further enhancing the Lakota’s value as an ISR asset for the National Guard,’ said Scott Tumpak, VP of the military line of business at Airbus US Space and Defense.
In 2006, the US Army selected a version of the medium-sized, twin-engine H145, designated the UH-72A Lakota, to meet its requirement for a new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace most remaining UH-1s and OH-58A/Cs in US Army and Army National Guard service.
Related Articles
US Army orders more UH-72A Lakotas
Farnborough 2022: Morocco orders H135 for primary training missions
Heli-One partners with Airbus for UK MoD's New Medium Helicopter programme
By early 2018, the army had received more than 400 UH-72As, the majority built at the company's Columbus, Mississippi, facility. In 2014, Thailand became the first export customer.
The UH-72A is available in multiple configurations and is a key component of the US Army’s Aviation Restructuring Initiative and the primary rotary-wing trainer for the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the US Army currently has nearly 500 Lakota helicopters in its inventory.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
UH-72A Light Utility (LUH) Helicopter
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion]()
First confirmed US one‑way drone strike on Iran sharpens Pentagon UAV expansion
The US is currently escalating its efforts to acquire more than 300,000 low-cost one-way attack drones, with the confirmed use of these platforms against Iran in recent days emphasising their growing use in combat.
-
![UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development]()
UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development
The Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) initiative aims to modernise aviation capabilities to use uncrewed systems where possible, supporting its goal of a hybrid air wing by 2040.
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
