Defence Helicopter

Read the latest military helicopter news from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest military rotorcraft headlines.

New Medium Helicopter competition remains “sensitive”, says UK MoD

This statement comes as concerns were raised by union workers at Leonardo’s Yeovil site about the ongoing timeline of the UK’s New Medium Helicopter programme.

Air Warfare Review 2024: Budget cuts and delays fail to dampen modernisation efforts in 2024

From major platform upgrades, high-value contract wins and programme delays, Shephard reported on a mixed year for air warfare in 2024, as geopolitical tensions rose across Europe and the Middle East.

Defence Notes

Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent

The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.

Air Warfare

Analysis: UK government goes on decommissioning spree to balance defence budget

UK defence secretary John Healey has announced the cancellation and decommissioning of naval and air force platforms to enable the government to “re-invest money in the armed forces” ahead of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review.

More Stories

Air Warfare

German Armed Forces’ H145s get L3Harris sensor system upgrade

10th December 2024

L3Harris Technologies has provided its WESCAM MX-15D electro-optical/infrared sensor systems to the German Armed Forces’ new H145 helicopters.
Air Warfare

US Army orders more Boeing CH-47 Block IIs

5th December 2024

Valued at $135 million, the Lot 3 contract is part of the US Army’s ongoing modernisation efforts.
Air Warfare

US approves deal for $1.7 billion upgrade of Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters

4th December 2024

The equipment sale for the helicopters includes 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (MIDS JTRS) for the Indian Navy.
Air Warfare

Reiser secures new NH90 Sea Tiger maintenance training contract

26th November 2024

The training and simulation company’s new contract for the German Navy will replicate its NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, which is set to join the fleet in 2025.
Air Warfare

German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters

18th November 2024

The H145s have been named “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short, by the German Armed Forces.
Air Warfare

Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks

13th November 2024

The Chinook cockpit upgrade will enhance the UK RAF’s Chinooks’ collaboration with the US and improve operational effectiveness and safety, Collins have claimed.
Land Warfare

South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess

6th November 2024

Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.
Air Warfare

Airbus to deliver 19 H135 training helicopters to Royal Canadian Air Force

4th November 2024

The agreement includes H135 acquisition, support and services, support for the development of a ground-based training solution and advanced engineering support. Deliveries for the aircraft are expected to commence in the first half of 2026.
Air Warfare

Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk given boost as Greece and Australia share fleet updates

29th October 2024

Australia and Greece are among a group of nations who have recently placed orders for UH-60M Black Hawks to replace their ageing fleets and boost their armed forces’ operational capabilities.
Air Warfare

European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU

21st October 2024

Launched in 2020 and managed by NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme aims to replace medium multi-role capabilities ending their life cycle in 2035 and beyond.
Air Warfare

Northrop Grumman shows off new M230 Chain Gun at AUSA

16th October 2024

The development of a dual-feed version of the 30mm M230 LF Chain Gun could allow for rapid selection between different ammunition types for more versatile battlefield engagement.
Air Warfare

Sikorsky given DARPA fund to install autonomy on US Army Black Hawk

16th October 2024

The Lockheed Martin company plans to integrate the MATRIX system into the MX helicopter by 2025.
Air Warfare

‘Never done before’: tiltrotor technology and the future battlespace

14th October 2024

In conversation... Bell's Frank Lazzara talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about the potential of tiltrotor designs to revolutionize U.S. Army maneuver operations, and how the technology could transform other mission sets across DoD and international armed services.
Air Warfare

Italy looks to advance development of airborne electronic warfare initiatives

14th October 2024

Italy’s ELT Group involvement in airborne electronic warfare initiatives, including developing systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon and future sixth-generation combat aircraft, has been focused on integrated sensing, non-kinetic effects and communications.
Air Warfare

UK Royal Navy Wildcat fires Sea Venom anti-ship missile

9th October 2024

The Wildcat is fitted with .50cal gun and carries Stingray torpedoes and Marlet lightweight missiles. Sea Venom substantially boosts the platform’s punch.
Air Warfare

Thailand-bound AH-6i helicopter completes first flight

4th October 2024

A total of eight aircraft will replace the Royal Thai Army’s ageing AH-IF Cobra fleet as part of a contract deal worth US$103.8 million.
Training

Florida firm wins Bell 412 maintenance training contract in El Salvador

2nd October 2024

The deal, ECS’s 12th contract under the Enterprise Training Services Contract (ETSC) programme, will run from late-August 2024 to late-August 2025.
Defence Notes

How temporary funding could affect the US military’s critical acquisition programmes

25th September 2024

Operating under continuing resolutions would affect Patriot, Virginia-class, Columbia-class and B-21 programmes.
Air Warfare

The Philippines prepares for high-end fighter operations

24th September 2024

The Southeast Asian country’s air force is broadening the warfighting mission sets of its FA-50PH by shifting focus towards offensive counter air, defensive counter air and ground attack missions.