MARIGNANE--Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence covering four helicopters: two H175M military variants, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The two H175Ms will be operated as multi-mission platforms, supporting transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services, and disaster relief operations. The ACH175 and ACH160 will be used primarily for transport roles.

The agreement marks Airbus Helicopters’ return to Ghana, with an emphasis on long-term customer support and partnership. Airbus highlighted the selection of the H175M as a demonstration of the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions, while also positioning Ghana as a leading West African customer for Airbus Corporate Helicopters’ premium ACH160 and ACH175 models.

The H175, in service since 2014, is a super-medium helicopter known for its combination of long range, payload capacity, and smooth flight characteristics, enabling a wide range of civil and military missions. The ACH160 incorporates 68 patented technologies and offers increased cabin space and larger windows for enhanced passenger comfort.

Source: Airbus
Associated URL: https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-01-ghana-places-first-order-for-multi-mission-airbus-helicopters
Author: Airbus 

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Army will begin fielding the Bell MV-75 tiltrotor aircraft this year, years ahead of its original 2031 to 2032 timeline, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George announced during the Army’s Senior Leader Sitrep town hall.

Formerly known as the Bell V-280 Valor, the MV-75 offers significantly greater speed and maneuverability than conventional helicopters, reflecting the Army’s push to accelerate modernization and acquisitions.

George emphasized the need to rapidly integrate emerging technologies, citing lessons from recent observations of the war in Ukraine. The Army is transforming units to support offensive drone operations, including the creation of dedicated drone combat formations such as those within the 10th Mountain Division.

Broader force modernization efforts will convert all infantry brigade combat teams into mobile brigades over the next 12 to 18 months, equipped with GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle and next-generation squad weapons. Combat aviation brigades are also adapting to operate larger unmanned aerial systems, including Group 3, 4, and 5 platforms. George stressed a shift toward soldier-driven feedback to guide future technology and autonomous systems procurement.

Source: Defense News
Associated URL: https://www.defensenews.com/newsletters/2026/01/13/army-to-field-bell-mv-75-aircraft-this-year-integrate-more-drones/
Author: Zita Ballinger Fletcher 

OWEGO, N.Y. - In a recent ceremony, Lockheed Martin delivered its 350th MH-60R "Romeo" helicopter to the United States Navy. The aircraft was delivered to HSM-41, the U.S. Navy's Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, training the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s newest naval aviators and naval aircrewmen to operate the MH-60R helicopter.

The Sikorsky MH-60R is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant of the Seahawk family, equipped with advanced sensors, integrated mission systems, precision weapons and network-centric capability. The MH-60R has repeatedly proven its combat worth, most recently shooting down an enemy drone during a maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aden by utilizing its advanced sensor suite and rapid engagement capability.

The Romeo crew successfully sank multiple Houthi-armed skiffs in the Red Sea as part of operations to safeguard shipping lanes.

"The MH-60R has been the U.S. Navy's primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter since 2010. This true multi-mission asset has proven itself in all aspects of land or maritime operations, providing various mission requirements around the globe," said Captain William Hargreaves, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters program manager.

The Romeo’s service life is expected to extend into the 2050s. The global fleet has achieved more than one million collective flight hours, and Lockheed Martin has delivered MH-60R aircraft to the United States, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, India, Greece and South Korea, with upcoming scheduled deliveries to Spain and Norway.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-01-13-Lockheed-Martin-Delivers-350th-MH-60R-Helicopter-to-U-S-Navy