MARIGNANE -- Airbus has secured a $115 million contract to provide the U.S. Army National Guard with up to 12 additional UH-72B Lakota helicopters, comprising 10 firm orders and options for two more. The aircraft will support the Guard’s ongoing modernization of its UH-72 fleet, which totals approximately 480 helicopters and conducts missions including homeland defense, search and rescue, disaster relief, surveillance, and medical evacuation.
The announcement follows the Army’s decision to replace 220 UH-72A helicopters used for initial-entry rotary-wing training with Robinson R66s under the Flight School Next program. The future of those UH-72As remains unclear. The new UH-72Bs will be assembled at Airbus’ facility in Columbus, Mississippi, with deliveries scheduled from 2027 through the end of 2029. Airbus says continued procurement will ensure the Lakota fleet provides modern capabilities and remains a key component of Army aviation.
