Rotorcraft

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Bell Textron announced that the U.S. Army has officially named its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), the MV-75, as the "Cheyenne II," continuing the tradition of honoring Native American tribes. The designation reflects both the Cheyenne Tribes’ heritage and a nod to the legacy of the AH-56 Cheyenne, while signaling a new era of Army aviation capability. The "MV" denotes a multi-mission vertical takeoff aircraft, and "75" commemorates the Army’s founding in 1775.

The MV-75 Cheyenne II is designed for speed, range, and adaptability, enabling commanders to project combat power rapidly while operating beyond high-threat areas. Its modular open systems architecture allows for future upgrades as mission needs evolve. Emphasizing lethality, endurance, and flexibility, the platform is intended to transform long-range air assault operations. With production accelerating and test aircraft delivery approaching, the naming marks a key milestone in fielding this next-generation capability.

Source: Bell
Associated URL: https://news.bellflight.com/en-US/264304-future-long-range-assault-aircraft-officially-named-mv-75-cheyenne-ii/
Author: Bell Newsroom 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, has introduced new Armed Black Hawk kits designed to expand the mission versatility of the UH-60 Black Hawk. These modular kits enable a single aircraft to perform a wide range of roles, including airmobile assault, close air support, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and tactical lift, reducing the need for multiple specialized fleets.

The kits emphasize flexibility and efficiency, offering production-ready options for close support or precision strike missions, with the ability to reconfigure the aircraft in roughly three hours. This modular approach lowers acquisition and sustainment costs while improving readiness. Available through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sale (DCS), the kits can be integrated into existing fleets globally.

Sikorsky highlights the Black Hawk’s long-term viability, with planned operations beyond 2070, supported by ongoing upgrades such as more powerful engines, digital architecture, and autonomy systems. Overall, the kits aim to deliver a cost-effective, multi-role solution for modern battlefield demands.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-04-15-Sikorsky-Offers-New-Armed-BLACK-HAWK-R-Helicopter-Kits-to-Deliver-Additional-Mission-Capabilities#assets_all
Author: Lockheed Martin 

PARIS - France has deployedTiger attack helicopters to the United Arab Emirates to intercept enemy drones, marking a tactical shift in how modern militaries defend against low-cost aerial threats, the head of the French Army said.

In an interview with the French magazine Le Point published on March 30, Gen. Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the Army, confirmed that four of the attack helicopters are now integrated into a layered air defense network in the Middle East. While the Tiger was originally designed for reconnaissance and anti-tank warfare, it is now being utilized as a mobile "drone hunter" to protect critical infrastructure and military installations.

The deployment addresses a growing economic imbalance in modern warfare, where high-end fighter jets often fire missiles costing millions of dollars to down drones worth only a few thousand. Schill noted that the Tiger’s 30mm chin-mounted cannon provides a "very powerful" and cost-effective alternative. By using gunfire rather than guided munitions, French forces can neutralize slow-moving, one-way attack drones while preserving limited stockpiles of advanced missiles.

The move follows an intense period of regional activity in early 2026, during which French and allied forces have reportedly intercepted more than 1,000 drones. Military analysts say the Tiger’s success in the UAE provides a blueprint for the future of attack helicopters, proving they remain relevant in an era dominated by unmanned systems.

Source: https://www.lepoint.fr/monde/moyen-orient-logistique-puissance-des-feux-les-confidences-du-chef-detat-major-de-larmee-de-terre-NSGNIKNLTFGMBFTAXKWSBDF
Author: D Royce