Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has secured a $43 million contract from the US Army to begin the next phase of Black Hawk helicopter modernization. The deal, announced on August 20, funds engineering work on new airframe upgrades, a digital systems backbone, and the groundwork for integrating unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the fleet.
Expanding Black Hawk Capabilities
The US Army’s modernization effort focuses on integrating “launched effects”. Lockheed Martin has already demonstrated the capability, with operational integration targeted for 2026.
Hamid Salim, Vice President of US Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky, said the contract marks a step forward in strengthening the helicopter’s role in contested regions:
“This contract allows us to implement new technologies that will strengthen the combat-proven Black Hawk helicopter and give US Army soldiers greater advantage in areas like the Indo-Pacific. Integrating launched effects into the Black Hawk will enhance its capabilities and provide a significant advantage.”
Digital Backbone for Future Growth
A major portion of the work will establish a digital thread for the Black Hawk under a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA). This digital backbone will enable rapid systems integration, reduce testing timelines, and lower sustainment costs by streamlining upgrades.
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Planned improvements also include airframe enhancements, fuel system upgrades, and future integration of more powerful engines and AI-assisted flight controls. Together, these measures aim to boost payload capacity, range, and operational safety.
Immediate and Long-Term Upgrades
Sikorsky is already fielding enhancements for the current fleet, such as the Upturned Exhaust System II kits. These upgrades are expected to carry over to the modernized platform.
At the Paris Air Show 2025, Sikorsky executives also highlighted ongoing discussions with the US Army over an 11th multi-year procurement contract, which could extend Black Hawk production through 2032.
Jay Macklin, Director of Business Development for US Army and Air Force Systems at Sikorsky, stressed the importance of keeping the platform relevant:
“We know the Black Hawk of tomorrow must be better than the Black Hawk of today.”
A Legacy Platform Evolving for Modern Missions
With more than 5,000 Black Hawks in service across 36 countries and over 15 million flight hours logged, including five million in combat, the helicopter remains a cornerstone of US Army aviation.
Future priorities for the platform include enhanced lift capability, modular systems, and seamless integration into joint all-domain operations. Therefore, the $43 million contract marks just the beginning of a broader modernization push. Sikorsky aims to ensure the Black Hawk continues to serve as a decisive capability for the US Army.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
