MH-60 Blackhawk

The MH-60 BLACKHAWK Program is managed by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and executed through Army Special Operations Aviation (ARSOA). Its primary objective is to provide organic aviation support to Special Operations Forces (SOF) for worldwide contingency operations, low-intensity conflicts, and multi-domain operations against near-peer threats. The program ensures that ARSOA maintains a fleet of highly specialized MH-60 aircraft capable of rapid deployment, deep penetration into hostile areas, and operation under adverse weather and environmental conditions. These aircraft are essential for missions involving infiltration, logistics support, reinforcement, close air support, and extraction of SOF personnel.

One of the key goals of the MH-60 BLACKHAWK line item is to maintain a single, SOF-unique configuration across the fleet. This commonality supports the SOF ground force commander's operational requirements and facilitates interoperability and maintenance efficiency. The program addresses year-to-year changes in baseline aircraft configuration received from the Army, which often necessitate SOF-specific conversions and upgrades. These conversions are justified by the need to keep pace with evolving mission profiles and threat environments, ensuring that SOF aviation assets remain capable and relevant.

The FY 2025 budget includes a Congressional add to replace an MH-60M Defensive Armed Penetrator (DAP) Blackhawk lost in overseas operations. This funding covers both A and B kits, which are specialized mission equipment and aircraft components unique to SOF requirements. The A kits typically include government-furnished equipment that is integrated into the aircraft, while B kits consist of additional mission-specific hardware that can be installed or removed as needed. The Congressional add ensures that the fleet's operational capability is not diminished by combat losses and that replacement aircraft are equipped to the same standards as the rest of the fleet.

Modifications in prior years represent a substantial portion of the program's historical investment, with funds allocated to various upgrades and conversions. These modifications have affected multiple models of the MH-60 Blackhawk, ensuring that older airframes are brought up to current SOF standards. The modifications typically include avionics upgrades, survivability enhancements, communications improvements, and integration of new mission systems. This ongoing investment is critical to sustaining the fleet's effectiveness and extending the service life of existing aircraft.

Procurement history and planning for the MH-60 BLACKHAWK program shows a consistent partnership with Lockheed Martin in Lexington, KY, using sole-source cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts. The production schedule is designed to ensure timely delivery of both A and B kits, with procurement lead times and manufacturing rates planned to meet operational needs. The program's planning documents indicate that specifications for these kits are available and that contract awards and deliveries are synchronized with operational requirements.

Support and program management is another critical objective of this budget line. Recurring costs are allocated for labor and program support, including Congressional adds. These funds ensure that the program office can manage procurement, integration, and sustainment activities effectively. Program support also covers engineering, logistics, and oversight functions necessary to maintain fleet readiness and address any emerging technical or operational issues.