Militaryleak’s Post

The Swedish Armed Forces are implementing a critical upgrade to their fleet of Helikopter 16 (UH-60M Black Hawk) helicopters, aiming to significantly enhance their operational capabilities. This comprehensive upgrade, which commenced in autumn 2023 and is anticipated to conclude by the end of 2024, involves the integration of a new fuel tank system designed to boost the helicopters’ operational range by 50%. The centerpiece of this upgrade is the installation of an additional fuel tank, which has a capacity of approximately 750 liters. This tank can be mounted in the cabin as needed, extending the flight time of the UH-60M Black Hawks and providing greater operational flexibility. This improvement is particularly advantageous for missions in large operational theaters, such as those conducted in Mali, where Swedish forces previously utilized a similar system during their international mission that concluded in 2022. The decision to adopt this fuel tank system underscores Sweden’s alignment with established international practices, as this system is also employed by other nations, including the United States. By leveraging the configurations and support mechanisms provided by the US Army, Sweden benefits from proven airworthiness standards and system integration practices. The upgrade process is being carried out in Sweden with the assistance of US Army personnel, ensuring that the modifications adhere to stringent operational and safety standards. Once completed, all units of the Helicopter 16 fleet will be equipped with the capability to use the additional fuel tank, greatly enhancing their operational reach and endurance. This advancement promises to significantly increase the availability and flexibility of Sweden’s helicopter units, improving their performance across a wide range of mission profiles. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/g_UGzf-V

Greece Moves Forward In Procurement Of UH-60M Black Hawk The Government of Greece signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) yesterday making official its intent to procure 35 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters built by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, via U.S. government Foreign Military Sale. “The latest generation UH-60M Black Hawk will support the Hellenic Ministry of Defense’s ongoing modernization and will serve as a dependable helicopter for vital national and allied security missions, trusted and operated by more than 35 nations, including a growing number of NATO allies, the multi-role Black Hawk helicopter provides unmatched global interoperability, significantly increasing Greece’s deterrent capability and that of all NATO member countries.” Paul Lemmo, president of Sikorsky In addition to the aircraft, the procurement also includes personnel training and training equipment to ensure the helicopters’ smooth integration into the Hellenic Army. “We are honored to expand our existing partnership with the Hellenic Armed Forces with the addition of the UH-60M Black Hawk to their growing fleet, the Black Hawk is the best solution for Greece’s multi-mission requirements with capabilities enhancing the nation’s effectiveness in the 21st Century Security battlespace.” Costas Papadopoulos, international business development director for Greece at Lockheed Martin With its existing S-70B fleet and newly acquired MH-60R maritime helicopters for the Hellenic Navy, Greece will operate several variants of the Hawk family and benefit from the operational and sustainment advantages of fleet commonality. As the world’s premier multi-role utility helicopter with 5 million combat hours, the Black Hawk will offer Greece a range of operational capabilities and a global ecosystem of more than 5,000 Hawk aircraft. The UH-60M/S-70M Black Hawk is the aircraft of choice for replacing legacy medium-lift utility helicopter fleets, with flexibility to conduct variety of missions at greater ranges and in the most challenging environments, and with increased survivability over other aircraft. The post Greece Moves Forward In Procurement Of UH-60M Black Hawk appeared first on Horizon. https://bit.ly/49relwd

# Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone ## Lockheed Martin's Unit Secures Contract for CH-53K Gearbox Assemblies Lockheed Martin Corporation’s LMT unit, Sikorsky Aircraft, has recently announced a significant achievement by securing an $84.3 million contract to supply eight gearbox assemblies for the CH-53K helicopters. The project, which will take place in Stratford, CT, is anticipated to be completed by December 2028. This contract not only serves the U.S. Navy but also provides support to the Israel military. This remarkable accomplishment showcases the commitment and expertise of Lockheed Martin's subsidiary, Sikorsky Aircraft, in delivering high-quality products vital to our national security. The gearbox assemblies play a crucial role in the performance and reliability of the CH-53K helicopters, enhancing their capabilities and ensuring mission success. Investing in companies like Lockheed Martin Corporation can provide substantial growth opportunities for your Health Savings Account \(HSA\). With the continuous advancements in healthcare technology and defense capabilities, investing in the defense industry can be a strategic move to diversify your HSA portfolio. Don't miss out on potential financial gains and the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of our national defense. Take action now and explore how you can capitalize on the growth potential of the defense sector. Invest wisely, secure your future, and make a positive impact on the world. 💼💪💰🚀 #hsa #investing #healthcare #health #family #wellness

The U.S. 48th Fighter Wing Component Maintenance Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, is currently home to the only avionics Centralized Repair Facility (CRF) capable of repairing F-15 radar Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) with the help of the Enhanced Aircraft Radar Test Station (EARTS). In an era of Great Power Competition that’s rapidly evolving, the U.S. Air Force is looking to continue its air dominance, and that requires change in areas where outdated equipment is quickly being challenged by new technology. To answer that challenge the fighter wing’s avionics CRF, in the coming months is planning to replace the last operational EARTS in the U.S. Air Force that has served as the primary repair facility for the entire F-15E fleet since 2021. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gFEw2tFJ

The photo featured in the article captures a captivating moment an showcases a US Navy tanker refueling a United States Marine Corps helicopter while carrying a Navy fighter jet. The Marine helicopter in the photo is a CH-53K King Stallion, which is the latest and most powerful version of the CH-53 helicopter used by the Marine Corps. It is designed for heavy-lift operations and can carry a substantial payload. In this case, it is seen carrying the airframe of an F-35C Lightning II, a cutting-edge Navy fighter jet. What makes this photo particularly impressive is that the CH-53K is engaged in air-to-air refueling with a Navy KC-130T tanker aircraft. Air-to-air refueling is a demanding skill that requires precise coordination between the two aircraft. Additionally, the CH-53K is carrying the F-35C as a slingload beneath it, further adding to the complexity of the operation. Both the air-to-air refueling and carrying a slingload require exceptional flying skills. The maximum speed at which most helicopters can fly with a sling load is just over 100 mph, while the top speed of the CH-53K itself is 200 mph. The KC-130T, on the other hand, is a fixed-wing aircraft that needs to maintain a higher speed to stay airborne. The photo was taken during a flight from Naval Air Station Patuxent River to an airfield in New Jersey. It showcases the capabilities and versatility of the CH-53K helicopter, as well as the collaboration between the Navy and Marine Corps. This extraordinary display of military aviation demonstrates the dedication and skill of the flight crews involved. It exemplifies the commitment of the U.S. military to maintaining readiness and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerial operations. #Navy #MarineCorps #Aviation #Military #Helicopter #FighterJet #AircraftRefueling #NavyTanker #MarineHelicopter

Offsets history in aviation — complications with providing F-5 aircraft to Switzerland in 1975 through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) turned into policy and precedence against the U.S. Government assisting with defense industry offsets from 1978. The DoD co-signed for responsibility with Northrop on fulfilling offsets for these F-5s in 1975. Northrop was slow and did not meet deadlines, so the DoD had to settle penalties on obligations to Switzerland. Result — in 1978, Deputy Secretary of Defense Charles Duncan issued the ‘Duncan Memorandum’, institutionalizing a 'hands off' perspective toward offsets. Since then, DoD policy became presidential policy in 1990, and was implemented in federal statute by Congress in 1992. Basic policy says no agency of the U.S. Government will encourage or commit U.S. firms to offsets in defense equipment transactions with foreign governments … unless, as an exception, the president says it’s OK. There have been some exceptions. Even so, the ‘hands off’ policy is still largely based on the spirit of the original ‘Duncan Memorandum’. It's good to see these aircraft continuing their service. https://lnkd.in/eXrUBJ3H

Austria has entered into a €715 million ($766 million) contract for the acquisition of twelve Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The contract, approved under the USA’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process in May, includes not only the helicopters but also comprehensive logistics and program support, bringing the total estimated cost to $1.05 billion. The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, located in Stratford, CT. Austria’s request covers a range of essential components and systems, including twenty-six T700-GE-701D engines, fifteen AN/AAR-57 Counter Missile Warning Systems (CMWS), and thirty H-764U Embedded Global Positioning Systems with Inertial Navigation (EGI) equipped with selective availability anti-spoofing modules or the future M-Code replacement. Additionally, the package encompasses logistics services, mission equipment, and training to ensure seamless integration and operation. This modernization initiative also includes an upgrade program for the existing fleet of nine S-70A Black Hawks, in collaboration with Alabama-based Ace Aerospace. Furthermore, three former US Army UH-60Ls will be upgraded to the new standard and delivered to Austria. The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, renowned for its versatility and reliability, is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter. Initially developed for the U.S. Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition in 1972, the UH-60A entered service in 1979, replacing the Bell UH-1 Iroquois as the Army’s tactical transport helicopter. Over the decades, the Black Hawk has seen numerous variants, including electronic warfare and special operations versions, and has been widely exported and utilized in various global conflicts. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gpnNkCwN

The Government of Poland has signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) for 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters, as part of the Polish KRUK Attack Helicopter program. “We are honored the Government of Poland has placed their confidence in us,” said Vince Logsdon, vice president, International Business Development for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “The AH-64E Apache helicopters will strengthen Poland’s operational capability and interoperability with the U.S., NATO and allied nations. We look forward to delivering this unmatched capability.” The LOA comes a week after the Polish Ministry of National Defence (Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej) announced an offset agreement with Boeing. The agreement includes maintenance and support of the Polish Armed Forces (Siły Zbrojne Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) fleet of Apache helicopters by Polish defense industry along with the establishment of training programs and supporting the development of a composite laboratory. The offset projects aim to enhance the sustainment capabilities of the Polish defense industry, support creation of highly skilled jobs within this field, and facilitate technological advancements, leading to significant economic benefits. “Poland’s commitment to procure 96 aircraft represents the largest FMS order in the history of Boeing’s Vertical Lift division and will not only make Poland our 19th global Apache customer but the largest operator outside of the United States,” said Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager, Vertical Lift. Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #Boeing #AH64E #ApacheHelicopter #PolishDefense #FMS #ForeignMilitarySales #VerticalLift #DefenseIndustry #MilitaryHelicopters #NATO #Poland #MilitaryAviation #HelicopterFleet #AerospaceNews #GlobalDefense #BoeingDefense #KRUKProgram #MilitaryTechnology #DefenseContracts

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are currently evaluating the Leonardo AW149 as a potential replacement for the aging Nuri (company designation S-61A-4 Sea King) helicopters used by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). This decision follows a plan for phased procurement aimed at enhancing the RMAF’s capabilities, including the addition of 24 new helicopters. Airtimes reported that General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, shared details of this plan during a press conference following the 91st Malaysian Armed Forces Day Parade at Kem Segenting, Port Dickson. According to him, the acquisition will be executed in two phases: “Phase 1 involves 12 units of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)-capable utility helicopters, while Phase 2 will see an additional 12 helicopters.” The Malaysian government has expedited the Phase 2 acquisition, with an emphasis on aligning the process with broader defense modernization initiatives. #military #defense #defence #militaryleak https://lnkd.in/gDD27wJx