Black Hawk

In keeping with tradition, lawmakers' fiscal 2026 defense policy bill released late Sunday tweaks several key Pentagon programs, including the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail program and Army helicopter procurement. The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act would boost the Pentagon's topline by $8 billion above what the Trump administration requested.

Sikorsky has proposed converting aging Black Hawks into pilotless S-70 UHawks, leveraging its Matrix autonomy kit and fly-by-wire software. The company aims to work with local industry in the Gulf region for these conversions, which could extend aircraft life and reduce costs.