Rotorcraft

JERUSALEM -- Israel has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 12 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with deliveries expected in the early 2030s. Financial terms were not disclosed. The procurement will modernize Israel’s aging Apache fleet, which currently includes 48 helicopters: 27 older AH-64A models and 20 AH-64D variants. Although details remain undisclosed, the new aircraft are likely to incorporate Israeli-developed equipment, consistent with the country’s approach to other combat aircraft programs.

The AH-64E offers capabilities beyond its traditional anti-armor role, including close air support, air-launched unmanned aerial vehicle deployment, and counter-unmanned aircraft system operations. The U.S. military has employed the helicopter against drones, although an AH-64E was reportedly shot down while patrolling the Strait of Hormuz in June.

The purchase forms part of Israel’s broader, decade-long military modernization effort. The Israeli Ministry of Defence is also planning additional acquisitions of platforms, munitions, and interceptors to maintain operational readiness against emerging threats.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026/10/israel-signs-for-12-e-model-apache-attack-helicopters/
Author: Ryan Finnerty 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sikorsky has launched the Nomad 100 Fast Pack, a containerized vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system (UAS) kit that can rapidly deploy to locations with limited supporting infrastructure.

The system consists of a single 20-foot ISO container that houses four Nomad 100 air vehicles, mission-command software, power, communications and sustainment equipment. In its planned configuration, two Nomad 100 aircraft can be mission ready in less than 15 minutes, with two additional aircraft available within four to six hours. The containerized system is designed for runway independent launch from locations such as naval vessels, tactical vehicle staging areas and improvised landing zones.

Using the manufacturer’s MATRIX autonomous control software, Nomad combines the vertical lift and hover characteristics of a helicopter with the speed, range and endurance advantages of a fixed-wing aircraft. Integrated communications, power, and sustainment equipment are designed to extend mission availability with reduced external support. Once a mission is complete, the container can be repacked, loaded onto a compatible transport vehicle and moved to a new site to support follow-on operations.

Sikorsky previously announced in July 2026 that the Nomad 100 had successfully completed initial ground and flight testing under the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Early Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Aircraft Demonstration (EVADE) program

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-10-12-Sikorsky-Introduces-Nomad-TM-100-Fast-Pack,-a-Containerized-VTOL-UAS-Kit-for-Rapid-Deployment-in-Austere-Environments

ORLANDO, Fla. - Lockheed Martin has signed a Direct Commercial Sale contract with the Philippine Department of National Defense to deliver an S-70i Black Hawk full-flight simulator, virtual maintenance trainer, and associated courseware to the Philippine Air Force.

The Philippines operates a fleet of Sikorsky Black Hawks for a range of missions, including search and rescue, humanitarian aid, firefighting, and troop transport across the archipelago. The contract strengthens the Philippine Air Force’s ability to train Black Hawk pilots and maintainers locally and supports the country’s broader defense modernization efforts. It also marks an expansion of Lockheed Martin’s training and simulation portfolio as the first order of Lockheed Martin S-70i Black Hawk training devices.

The S-70i Black Hawk full-flight simulator is an aircraft digital twin training solution that replicates the exact sights and sensations of flying an S-70i Black Hawk aircraft. The virtual maintenance trainer delivers high-fidelity, physics-based models of every airframe subsystem - from hydraulics to avionics - allowing maintainers to train in a fully immersive, risk-free environment.

In addition to the training devices and courseware, the contract includes sustainment and spares support through 2032. The Philippine Air Force will continue to train Black Hawk pilots at the U.S.-based Sikorsky Training Academy while its in-country training capability is being established.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-10-08-Lockheed-Martin-to-Deliver-S-70-TM-BLACK-HAWK-R-Helicopter-Training-Devices-and-Services-to-the-Philippine-Air-Force