The U.S. Army has awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. a $315,043,393 contract modification for continued logistics support and engineering services for the UH-72 Lakota helicopter fleet. This contract, managed by the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, extends through December 31, 2025. Work will be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The funding, allocated at the time of the award, includes $85,621,324 in fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance funds. The contract modification highlights the significant role that the UH-72 Lakota plays in the Army’s operations across various domains. This modification ensures that the Army will continue to receive the necessary logistical and engineering support for the fleet's maintenance and operational readiness.

As part of the contract, Airbus will continue providing contractor logistics support and engineering services to ensure the UH-72 Lakota remains operational through the end of 2025. The helicopter, which is utilized for a wide range of missions, continues to be a vital asset for the U.S. Army.

The Army Contracting Command, based in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, oversees this contracting activity.

Airbus UH-72A Lakota - Photo by Roberto Di Giovine

U.S. Department of Defense Statement: "Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc., Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a $315,043,393 modification (P00171) to contract W58RGZ-22-C-0022 for UH-72 Lakota contractor logistics support and engineering services. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2025 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $85,621,324 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Dec. 30, 2024)" About Airbus UH-72: The UH-72 Lakota, introduced in 2006, is a highly versatile and reliable light utility helicopter used by the U.S. Army. Based on the successful Airbus H145 family, the Lakota has proven its worth with over 1.3 million flight hours. Its design emphasizes operational capability, affordability, and simplicity, combining the best of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology with military requirements. The Lakota’s ease of maintenance, lightweight materials, and modular systems significantly reduce ownership costs while enhancing mission flexibility. Whether used for troop transport, search and rescue, or medical evacuation, the UH-72 can be quickly reconfigured to meet diverse operational needs.

The latest variant, the UH-72B, continues to build on this legacy with enhanced avionics, power, and safety features. Improvements such as the new Fenestron tail rotor, Arriel 2E power plant, and advanced Helionix avionics suite provide greater power, efficiency, and situational awareness. The UH-72B’s upgraded capabilities, including a four-axis autopilot and increased load capacity, ensure that the helicopter remains a critical asset to the U.S. Army, delivering exceptional performance across a wide range of missions, from medical evacuation to security and support operations.