Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky announced it had reached a Novel Production Agreement with the U.S. Army for Black Hawk helicopters that would enable the Army to add aircraft as new requirements emerge.
The contract award comes earlier than anticipated and reflects the U.S. Department of War and Lockheed’s movements to put in place agile structures that are responsive to the dynamic acquisition environment, officials said. The agreement covers 16 aircraft for the U.S. Army and is expected to increase by more than 100 aircraft over the coming years. The agreement sustains production with no interruptions for Sikorsky and its 230-supplier, 43-state industrial base.
“This contract is not only fast but flexible. We’ve come to this structure to give the Army flexibility as their needs and budget change year-to-year, while maintaining a vehicle that can support FMS demand. This agreement turns a partner‑nation decision into aircraft on the ramp faster than conventional procurement allows,” Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager, said.
Officials with Lockheed said the Black Hawk helicopter is the Army’s workhorse and also serves the U.S. National Guard and other militaries around the world. The company has delivered more than 5,000 Black Hawk helicopters to more than 36 allied nations and have logged more than 15 million flight hours, including some 5 million flight hours in combat.
Funding for the initial 16 helicopters was appropriated by Congress during FY 2025 and FY 2026, as well as from revenue from the Black Hawk Exchange and Sales Transaction (BEST) Program, that allows the Army to sell older aircraft and reinvest the proceeds into buying new aircraft.
“This contract ensures we maintain a ready, modern and survivable rotary‑wing capability for the Army and our allies. The Black Hawk has long been a vital part of the Army and National Guard’s flexibility and will continue to be so for the next half century,” Col. Ryan Nesrsta, Project Manager for the Utility Helicopters Project Office, said.”