Latest Defence Helicopters news
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NewsLockheed Martin picks Robinson R66 for Flight School Next bid
Lockheed Martin has selected the Robinson Helicopter R66 NxG as its platform offer for the US Army’s Flight School Next training competition.
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AnalysisIsrael to boost CH-53K performance with package of Elbit Systems equipment updates
Elbit Systems is to provide a range of new equipment for installation in a dozen Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters on order for the Israeli air force.
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NewsFrench navy praises H160 as service gears up for Guepard
An early naval operator of the Airbus Helicopters H160 has praised the medium-twin for its capabilities as it awaits the arrival of the military M-model variant of the civil platform.
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NewsLeonardo targets Indian helicopter production through Adani pact
India’s Adani Defence & Aerospace is to partner with Leonardo to set up a helicopter manufacturing ecosystem in the country, potentially including final assembly facilities for the Italian firm’s AW169M and AW190 TrekkerM platforms.
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NewsUS Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Vipers to carry L3Harris Red Wolf long-range missiles
L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract to rapidly produce and deliver Red Wolf air-launched weapons to meet the US Marine Corps’ (USMC’s) Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) requirement.
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NewsBell targets Asia-Pacific military trainer replacement with 505
Bell is promoting its 505 light-single helicopter as a replacement for ageing military training fleets across Asia-Pacific, with the manufacturer identifying more than 50 potential opportunities in the region in the coming years.
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NewsBird Aerosystems wins Asia-Pacific helicopter self-defence contract
Israeli defence specialist Bird Aerosystems has secured a multi-million dollar contract to supply directed infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) equipment for a helicopter upgrade programme in the Asia-Pacific region, with dozens of SPREOS units to be delivered under a technology transfer agreement.
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InterviewRSAF prioritises readiness, deterrence amid evolution of warfare
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is taking a measured approach to capability enhancement, drawing lessons from current conflicts whilst maintaining its core deterrence mission. Major-General Kelvin Fan outlines the service’s modernisation plans, including F-35 integration and C-130 fleet refresh, as it balances readiness with strategic regional challenges.
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NewsIsrael eyes Apache fleet modernisation with $3.8bn AH-64E purchase plan
Israel wants to modernise its attack helicopter fleet via an order for 30 Boeing AH-64E Apaches, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has disclosed.
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NewsRSAF to showcase Apache-F-16C combined aerial display
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will demonstrate a technically demanding 17-manoeuvre aerial display pairing a Boeing AH-64D Apache attack helicopter with a Lockheed Martin F-16C fighter jet at this year’s Singapore air show.
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NewsUS Navy spins up follow-on contract for COPT-R training programme
Texas-based Helicopter Institute has been awarded a follow-on contract by the US Navy for pilot training services that runs until 2030.
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NewsBoeing books orders for four more MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters
Boeing has received a contract for four additional MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters for the US Air Force.
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NewsUS Navy marks official retirement of TH-57 training helicopter with ‘sundown ceremony’
US Navy officials have marked the official retirement of the Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger training helicopter following its replacement by the Leonardo TH-73A Thrasher.
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NewsCollision inquiry seeks lower altitude threshold for inhibiting alerts
US investigators are recommending that the FAA evaluate reducing the altitude at which future collision-avoidance systems are inhibited, in order to offer protection closer to the ground. The recommendation has emerged from the inquiry into last year’s mid-air collision between an MHIRJ CRJ700 regional jet and a Sikorsky UH-60L military ...
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NewsNTSB simulation shows Black Hawk barely visible before fatal collision with CRJ700
A digital recreation of the fatal January 2025 collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 and US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington shows the military rotorcraft was nearly impossible to see against city lights when the crash occurred.
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NewsUK MoD accelerates Apache ‘loyal wingman’ project with release of tender and initial bidder shortlist
Bidders for a British Army project to develop an uncrewed air vehicle to fight alongside its Boeing AH-64E Apaches will need to deliver a platform capable of operating autonomously while carrying a payload above 250kg (550lb) and matching the manned aircraft’s speed and range performance.
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NewsUS Army accelerates Bell MV-75 tiltrotor fielding with first planned delivery by end-2026
The US Army has dramatically accelerated its timeline for fielding Bell’s MV-75 tiltrotor, with troops potentially to be flying the new aircraft by the end of 2026 – six years ahead of the original 2032 schedule.
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NewsDenmark touts ability of new Arctic special forces to operate anywhere in Greenland
Denmark is emphasising the capabilities of a newly formed Arctic special forces unit that can operate throughout Greenland’s demanding terrain, as Copenhagen faces increasing pressure over control of the strategic territory from US President Donald Trump.
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NewsSri Lanka air force to receive 10 ex-US Navy TH-57s
Sri Lanka’s air force will receive 10 Bell TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters formerly operated by the US Navy, with deliveries commencing in February to bolster training and disaster response capabilities following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.
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NewsFrench navy commits to VSR700 uncrewed helicopter with six-unit order
France has ordered six VSR700 uncrewed rotorcraft from Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group, which will be operated by the French navy from 2028.