UH-72 LAKOTA LIGHT UTILITY HELICOPTER

The UH-72 Lakota Light Utility Helicopter program is a key line item in the Army's Aircraft Procurement budget, specifically under Budget Activity 01: Aircraft and Budget Sub Activity 20: Rotary. The primary goal of this program is to procure and sustain the UH-72 Lakota helicopters, which serve as versatile platforms for a range of missions supporting both Army and broader government objectives. The FY 2026 budget request does not include new procurement funding, but the program remains a critical component of the Army's rotary-wing fleet.

The UH-72 Lakota is designed to provide flexibility in responding to Homeland Security requirements, including civil search and rescue operations, damage assessment, support for test and training centers, and generating force missions. Additionally, the platform augments the HH-60 Medical Evacuation aircraft, enhancing the Army's air ambulance capabilities. The helicopter also supports Continental United States counterdrug operations, contributing to interagency efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking.

One of the program's objectives is to execute general support utility helicopter missions, integrating efforts with other joint services, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. The UH-72 provides time-sensitive transport of supplies and key personnel, air mobility for civil authorities during search and rescue or disaster relief operations, and advanced warning and detection of external threats, including border security missions. These capabilities are essential for both military and civil support operations, ensuring rapid response and operational flexibility.

As part of the Army's Aviation Restructure Initiative, the UH-72 Lakota has become the primary training aircraft at the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence in Fort Novosel. This transition supports the Army's goal of modernizing its training infrastructure and ensuring that new pilots are proficient in operating modern rotary-wing platforms. The use of the UH-72 in training roles also helps standardize pilot skills and streamline maintenance and logistics support.

The program highlights the importance of the UH-72 Lakota in augmenting existing capabilities, particularly in medical evacuation and homeland security operations. The helicopter's versatility allows it to fulfill a variety of roles, from command and control to logistics and support for disaster response. Its integration into joint and interagency operations underscores its value as a multi-mission asset for the Army and its partners.

In terms of procurement history, the Army has acquired a total of 479 UH-72 Lakota helicopters, with recent years showing limited new procurement activity. The absence of a FY 2026 funding request indicates that the Army's current fleet meets operational requirements, and future procurement will be based on evolving mission needs and fleet sustainment considerations.