helicopter - Defence Industry Europe

Technicians at the Royal Air Force Chinook Maintenance School at RAF Odiham now have access to new interactive training technology designed to support their learning and development. Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the procurement organisation of the Ministry of Defence, has accepted into service a Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) for use at the school.

Virtual maintenance trainer accepted into service for RAF Chinook technicians

Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) was awarded a £7 million contract in 2023 to deliver the VMT, with a two-year lead time to acceptance into service.

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Bristow Group Inc. announced on 24 April a long-term agreement to enhance support for Bristow’s global fleet of S-92 helicopters. The agreement strengthens the decades-long collaboration between the two companies and ensures improved support for Bristow’s more than 60 S-92 aircraft operating in key markets such as offshore energy and search and rescue (SAR).

Sikorsky and Bristow Group sign long-term agreement for S-92 fleet support

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Bristow Group Inc. announced on 24 April a long-term agreement to enhance support for Bristow’s global fleet of S-92 helicopters.

On 31 March, CAE Defense & Security announced it had been awarded a competitive re-compete contract to support the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) and the 110th Aviation Brigade under the Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support (AHFTS) programme. The contract, valued at approximately USD 180 million through 2030, includes a base period and four one-year extension options.

CAE secures USD 180 million contract to support U.S. Army helicopter training programme

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Since 2021, CAE has provided classroom, simulator, and aircraft flight training services for AHFTS, helping transition Initial Entry Rotary-Wing aviators to operational aircraft.

The Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, has visited the Army Aviation Academy’s Helicopter Simulation Centre (CESIHEL) to inspect Europe’s first simulator for the modernised Chinook CH-47F helicopter. Accompanied by the Secretary of State for Defence, Amparo Valcarce, and the Executive Chairman of Indra, Ángel Escribano, the visit marked the formal delivery of the final unit of the helicopter to the Spanish Armed Forces.

Europe’s first CH-47F Chinook simulator launched by Indra at Spanish Army base

Air, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

The Chinook CH-47F is one of the most powerful transport helicopters in service, capable of carrying 10 tonnes or transporting dozens of troops.

On 26 March, RAF Benson marked a historic moment as Puma helicopters departed on their farewell flight around the UK, drawing to a close more than five decades of operational service. First introduced in 1971, the Puma has long been recognised for its agility, speed, and versatility in a wide range of military and humanitarian missions.

RAF Puma helicopters complete farewell flight after over 50 years of operational service

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

On 26 March, RAF Benson marked a historic moment as Puma helicopters departed on their farewell flight around the UK, drawing to a close more than five decades of operational service.

Airbus has delivered the first two of six H145M multi-role helicopters to the Republic of Cyprus. The remaining four are scheduled for delivery later this year, with the helicopters to be operated by the Cypriot National Guard.

Airbus delivers first two H145M military helicopters to Cyprus National Guard

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The H145M is a military version of the proven H145 twin-engine helicopter and is equipped with Airbus’s HForce weapons system.

Boeing has been awarded a USD 240 million contract by the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) to remanufacture five MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters. Deliveries of the upgraded aircraft are expected to begin in 2027.

Boeing to supply additional MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters to U.S. Special Opreations Forces

Air, Top / By Defence Industry Europe

Boeing has been awarded a USD 240 million contract by the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC) to remanufacture five MH-47G Block II Chinook helicopters.

The Israeli Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to equip 12 CH-53K “Pere” helicopters with Israeli mission systems. The agreement was finalised by the IMOD Mission to the U.S. in New York City.

Israel to upgrade CH-53K helicopters with locally developed mission systems in new deal

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The Israeli Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars with Sikorsky to equip 12 CH-53K “Pere” helicopters with Israeli mission systems.

A significant milestone has been achieved in the development of the MAST-F (AKERON LP) missile system, as the first boosted missile firing from a Tiger Test Bed Helicopter was successfully carried out. The trial took place at the French DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement) Trial Centre in Cazaux, demonstrating key advancements in missile technology.

First Akeron LP missile firing from Tiger helicopter successfully conducted

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

A significant milestone has been achieved in the development of the MAST-F (AKERON LP) missile system, as the first boosted missile firing from a Tiger Test Bed Helicopter was successfully carried out.

According to the Reuters news agency, the Federal Republic of Germany is planning to sign a deal with Boeing to purchase 60 heavy transport helicopters, CH-47 Chinooks, for up to EUR 8 billion. This amount includes investments in necessary infrastructure and service contracts.

KBR secures USD 229 million contract for U.S. Army cargo helicopter systems

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

The task order was issued by the U.S. Air Force’s 774 Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, with the goal of enhancing the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) repository. KBR will focus on improving the availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, which plays a crucial role in the Army’s transport and combat operations. Under the …

KBR secures USD 229 million contract for U.S. Army cargo helicopter systems Read More »

Croatia has signed an intergovernmental agreement (Letter of Acceptance) with the United States for eight UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

Collins Aerospace to upgrade U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters with advanced avionics

Air / By Defence Industry Europe

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has secured an USD 80 million contract to modernise the avionics system of U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters.

New York State Police has placed an order for an Airbus H160 and three H145 helicopters, making them the first law enforcement agency in the U.S. to add an H160 to their fleet. This announcement follows the agency’s order of two H145s in 2024 as New York State Police moves to replace their existing helicopters.

New York State Police orders Airbus H160 and three H145 helicopters

Uncategorized / By Defence Industry Europe

New York State Police has placed an order for an Airbus H160 and three H145 helicopters, making them the first law enforcement agency in the U.S. to add an H160 to their fleet.