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US Army Orders Up to 12 Airbus UH-72B Lakota Helicopters

August 18, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Army awards $115.4M contract to Airbus for UH-72B Lakota helicopters.
Contract covers up to 12 aircraft and additional equipment.
Work to be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.
Estimated completion date is December 31, 2030.

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Strategic Implications

This contract may indicate the US Army's continued confidence in the UH-72B Lakota for domestic operations. The procurement suggests a focus on modernizing the Army's light utility helicopter fleet, which could enhance its operational capabilities and may set a precedent for future helicopter procurements.

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What Happened

Airbus Wins $115 Million Contract For Light Utility Helicopters

The US Army has awarded a $115.4-million contract to Airbus Helicopters for the procurement of up to 12 Lakota UH-72B light utility helicopters. The contract includes additional equipment such as jettisonable cockpit doors and air-conditioning system installation. The UH-72B features a five-blade main rotor and more powerful Safran Arriel 2E engines. Work will be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2030. This contract was first reported by an unknown source.

Source | Originally Published: August 17, 2026

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