PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The U.S. Army has awarded Boeing two contracts worth $461 million to procure nine additional CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters, bringing the total number under contract to 18. These Lot 4 and 5 awards follow the Army’s Rapid Fielding production decision and reflect continued investment in heavy-lift modernization.

Boeing has already delivered six Block II Chinooks, which are undergoing evaluation to validate their performance improvements. The upgraded Block II variant features a strengthened airframe and improved drivetrain, boosting maximum gross weight by 4,000 pounds and enhancing lift capacity. It also includes a redesigned fuel system that extends mission range and supports larger payloads. Boeing and the Army are coordinating on a plan for Lot 6 production. Designed for long-term sustainment and future upgrades, the CH-47F Block II aims to remain a cornerstone of Army heavy-lift operations for the next 40 years.

Source: Boeing
Associated URL: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/news-releases-statements?item=131596
Author: Boeing 

WASHINGTON - Bell has confirmed renewed talks with Ukrainian government agencies about a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of AH-1Z Viper attack and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The company recently signed agreements with UkraineInvest and the Ministry of Economy, Ecology, and Agriculture to explore industrial cooperation.

Bell executive Jeffrey Schloesser said the initiative has been in development for some time, highlighting the H-1 helicopters’ potential to significantly enhance Ukraine’s air capabilities. Ukraine has prioritized acquiring Western combat helicopters since 2023 amid continued losses of Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters in combat. Although public discussions had stalled, Bell’s statement shows that quiet progress continued. However, the deal faces challenges, as the U.S. Navy is funding Bell to close the H-1 production line this year. Possible sources include 12 undelivered AH-1Zs originally sold to Pakistan or retired U.S. Marine Corps aircraft stored in Arizona, though both options would require U.S. government approval.

Source: Aviation Week Network
Associated URL: https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/bell-ukraine-assess-options-related-ah-1z-uh-1y-sale
Author: Steve Trimble 

VILNIUS, Lithuania - The first two UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters have been delivered to the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

"Bird in a cage: here are Lithuania’s first UH-60M helicopters," Lithuania’s military said in an October 2025 post announcing the delivery, publishing a photo of two UH-60Ms bearing the tail numbers 61 and 62. "The first Black Hawks bearing the Lithuanian flag and the Cross of Vytis."

Lithuania placed an order for four UH-60Ms in November 2020 at a cost of EUR181 million, looking to replace its Mi-17 helicopters. Washington provided around $30 million in funding to help Lithuania with the purchase.

The U.S. Army announced in April 2023 that the first Lithuanian pilots had concluded the UH-60M flight training program. The following year, in January 2024, the MoD announced the opening of a new hanger for the helicopters.

The first two UH-60s were originally expected in 2024, but deliveries were pushed back to 2025. The other two helicopters are expected in 2026.

Beyond the four on order, Lithuania has an option to acquire another two helicopters, should it choose.

Source: Aerotime
Associated URL: https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/lithuania-receives-first-two-uh-60m-black-hawk-helicopters