UH-60 Blackhawk M Model (MYP)

The UH-60 Blackhawk M Model (MYP) program is a key component of the Army's aircraft procurement strategy, supporting both the Army's Modernization Strategy and broader national defense objectives. The primary goal of this budget line item is the procurement of UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters under a Multi-Year Procurement (MYP) contract. This approach aims to maximize cost efficiency and ensure a stable, predictable supply of these critical rotary-wing platforms. The program is designed to meet the Army Acquisition Objective (AAO) of 1,978 aircraft, with continued procurement planned through the current contract period.

The UH-60M Black Hawk serves as the Army's principal utility helicopter, offering enhanced digital networking, greater range, and increased lift capabilities. Its objectives include supporting maneuver commanders through air assault operations, general support, command and control, and aeromedical evacuation missions. The digital upgrades and improved performance characteristics are intended to provide the Army with a modern, flexible platform capable of meeting near- and mid-term operational requirements in a variety of environments.

The HH-60M Black Hawk variant is specifically equipped with an integrated Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Mission Equipment Package. The objective for this variant is to provide joint services with robust aeromedical evacuation capabilities, enabling Critical Care Flight Paramedics to deliver lifesaving, enroute medical care to wounded personnel. This capability is essential for battlefield casualty evacuation, contributing to both warfighter morale and operational effectiveness by allowing tactical commanders to maintain momentum in ongoing missions.

For Fiscal Year 2026, the base procurement request supports the acquisition of 24 aircraft (9 UH-60M and 15 HH-60M) as part of the ongoing Multi-Year X contract. The procurement approach leverages a Firm Fixed Price contract awarded to Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, ensuring cost stability and predictable delivery schedules. The program also incorporates reductions in advisory and assistance services to promote government efficiency, in alignment with Executive Order 14222 and related cost-saving initiatives.

The program supports both active and reserve components, including the Army National Guard, with secondary distribution of aircraft and funding tailored to the needs of each component. In Fiscal Year 2026, the Army receives 18 aircraft while the Army National Guard receives 6 aircraft. This distribution reflects the program's objective to maintain readiness across all components for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities.

Procurement under the MYP contract includes recurring costs for airframes, engines, avionics, and mission equipment, as well as non-recurring costs such as engineering change orders, tooling, and program management. The program's objectives also encompass support activities, including technical publications, fielding, training, and government management, ensuring that new aircraft are effectively integrated into operational units. The production schedule is structured to deliver all aircraft within a 12-month period for each contract line item, maintaining a steady flow of new helicopters to the force.