What Happened
Army National Guard Modernizes Rotary Wing Fleet With New Helicopters
The US Army has awarded Airbus a $115 million contract to supply up to 12 new UH-72B Lakota helicopters, with deliveries scheduled to commence in 2027. The helicopters will be assembled at Airbus’ production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, and will support a range of domestic missions, including homeland defense, search and rescue, and disaster relief. The contract underscores the enduring relevance of the Lakota program and provides stability for the Mississippi manufacturing workforce, as reported by Aviation News.