H-1 Upgrades (UH-1Y/AH-1Z)

The UH-1Y/AH-1Z Program is a Navy aircraft procurement line item focused on the acquisition, modernization, and sustainment of the Marine Corps' H-1 helicopter fleet. This program supports two primary aircraft: the UH-1Y Venom utility helicopter and the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. The goal is to provide the Marine Corps with advanced rotary-wing platforms capable of meeting a broad range of operational requirements, including close air support, command and control, combat assault support, anti-armor operations, and reconnaissance under diverse environmental conditions.

The UH-1Y Utility Helicopter portion of this line item is designed to deliver command and control, combat assault support, and logistical support during both day and night operations, as well as in reduced weather conditions. The procurement strategy included remanufacturing legacy H-1N helicopters into UH-1Y models and building new UH-1Y aircraft. The UH-1Y features a four-bladed composite rotor system, upgraded transmission, enhanced avionics, and improved structural components, all of which increase speed, payload, and survivability while reducing maintenance requirements. The program's objectives for the UH-1Y have shifted from new procurement to sustainment and support, as all planned domestic deliveries were completed by September 2022.

The AH-1Z Attack Helicopter segment focuses on providing close air support, anti-armor, armed escort, and reconnaissance capabilities. The procurement plan involved converting AH-1W helicopters to AH-1Z configuration and building new AH-1Zs. The AH-1Z offers significant improvements over its predecessor, including a new four-bladed rotor, advanced avionics, and a third-generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system that extends autonomous weapons engagement ranges. The AH-1Z's design emphasizes survivability, lethality, and interoperability with other Marine Corps and joint force assets.

A key objective of the UH-1Y/AH-1Z Program is to maximize commonality between the two aircraft. Both platforms share a high percentage of their components, including maintenance systems, technical data, supply support, and avionics. This degree of commonality reduces lifecycle costs, simplifies training and logistics, and enhances operational flexibility for the Marine Corps. The program also incorporates modernized, fully integrated cockpits to improve pilot situational awareness and reduce workload.

For FY 2026, the budget request under this line item primarily supports Production Line Shutdown and Acquisition Closure activities. These include the disposition of contractor- and government-furnished equipment, data transition, supplier close-out, labor for both government and contractor personnel, technical data procurement, and storage requirements. With the final domestic aircraft delivered, these activities are necessary to responsibly conclude production and ensure proper management of remaining assets and documentation, particularly as Foreign Military Sales deliveries are finalized through FY 2030.

The FY 2026 budget also reflects reductions in Advisory and Assistance Services and civilian personnel costs, aligning with Executive Orders 14222 and 14210, which direct government efficiency and workforce optimization initiatives. These reductions are intended to promote cost savings and administrative efficiency as the program transitions from active production to sustainment and closure phases.