The U.S. Army awarded Sikorsky an additional $234 million in an undefinitized contract action (UCA) to secure production of 16 Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters. The funding brings the total value of the current multiyear agreement to $356 million. This initial order is funded by leftover appropriations from fiscal years 2025 and 2026, with deliveries scheduled to begin in fiscal 2028 as the existing contract concludes.
What it means
The undefinitized contract action allows Sikorsky to commence manufacturing before final price negotiations are completed. The company has already begun ordering long-lead-time hardware and is engaged in subassembly processes for the aircraft. This mechanism ensures continuous production flow while the Army finalizes the terms of the next multiyear deal, which was originally awarded in 2022 and is set to end by late 2027.
Rich Benton, a Sikorsky executive, stated that the agreement maintains the active production line and establishes infrastructure for future Black Hawk variants. He noted that the rapid contracting process met the Army’s need for agility and uninterrupted output. Once definitized, the deal could expand to include up to 150 aircraft over a three- to four-year period, supporting both Army and National Guard requirements.
Key facts
- $234 million: Additional funding awarded via undefinitized contract action
- 16: Number of Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters in the initial order
- $356 million: Total value of the current multiyear contract
- Fiscal 2028: Scheduled delivery year for the initial 16 aircraft
- End of 2027: Conclusion date of the current multiyear deal awarded in 2022
- Up to 150: Maximum potential aircraft count after contract definitization
- Fiscal 2025 and 2026: Appropriation years funding the initial order
Source: U.S. Army contract announcement