This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Department of War.

On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Army officially received its first autonomous-ready H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Eustis, Virginia. According to an official press release from the U.S. Department of War, this delivery marks a pivotal milestone in military aviation, introducing an “Optimally Piloted Vehicle” (OPV) capable of operating with or without a human crew onboard.

The handover represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. By integrating advanced digital co-pilot systems into a proven airframe, the military aims to reduce pilot workload, enhance safety in degraded environments, and enable remote operations. We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step in the Army’s broader restructuring efforts to integrate unmanned and autonomous systems into its active fleet.

The Technology Behind the H-60Mx Black Hawk

Sikorsky’s MATRIX and Fly-by-Wire Upgrades

The core of the H-60Mx’s new capabilities is the MATRIX™ autonomy system, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. According to the Department of War’s release, this system functions as a highly advanced digital co-pilot designed to manage complex flight tasks from takeoff to landing.

To accommodate this technology, the helicopter’s traditional mechanical flight controls have been entirely replaced with a modern fly-by-wire electronic system. Army officials note that this upgrade significantly improves the aircraft’s stability and handling, particularly in low-visibility conditions where human pilots might struggle.

The H-60Mx features three distinct operational modes. It can be flown conventionally by onboard pilots, operated remotely from a secure ground station, or programmed to perform missions completely independently without real-time human input.

“After years of successful demonstrations on both commercial and military aircraft, the technology has matured. It is now a reliable system, ready for formal military evaluation.”

From DARPA’s ALIAS to the Army’s SAFE Program

A Decade of Research Culminates

The autonomy technology integrated into the H-60Mx originated from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. Initiated over ten years ago, the visionary goal of ALIAS was to create a removable automation “kit” for existing aircraft. This kit was designed to reduce the complexity of flying, allowing human crews to focus on higher-level mission management.

Following years of partnerships between Sikorsky and DARPA, including a landmark 2022 demonstration of an optionally-piloted Black Hawk flying without any crew onboard, the system has transitioned from a developmental concept to a field-ready asset.

The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE)

With the delivery of the H-60Mx, the aircraft now serves as the primary testbed for the Army’s Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program. The Department of War states that the ultimate goal of the SAFE program is to develop a universal, scalable autonomy kit. This kit is intended to be retrofitted across the Army’s existing fleet of hundreds of Black Hawk helicopters, as well as integrated into future aircraft designs.

By utilizing a retrofit kit approach rather than relying solely on clean-sheet aircraft designs, the Army expects to significantly reduce the time and cost required to field autonomous capabilities across its broader aviation fleet.

“By proving out this technology, the Army aims to unlock a new era of aviation. The delivery of this first [‘optimally’ piloted vehicle] Black Hawk is more than just a hardware handover; it’s a tangible step toward a future where technology and soldiers work together in new and powerful ways to ensure mission success.”

Testing, Evaluation, and Broader Applications

Real-World Scenarios and State Partnerships

The H-60Mx is currently entering a rigorous testing phase at Fort Eustis. Army test pilots and engineers will evaluate the aircraft’s performance in complex, real-world mission scenarios, testing both its independent and remote-control capabilities. A primary focus of this evaluation will be assessing the system’s effectiveness in low-visibility environments and its overall impact on soldier safety.

Beyond federal military applications, the technology is also being explored for state-level missions. The state of Texas is collaborating on the ALIAS autonomy technology through a multi-year testbed effort sponsored by the Texas A&M University System’s Bush Combat Development Complex. According to project data, this initiative will utilize modified UH-60L helicopters to evaluate the value of autonomous aircraft for wildland firefighting and other critical state emergency responses.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the introduction of the H-60Mx aligns closely with the U.S. Army’s ongoing, large-scale aviation restructuring. Recent military strategies have emphasized reducing thousands of traditional aviation positions while simultaneously expanding the role of autonomous and unmanned systems. By advancing optionally piloted flight capabilities, the Army is prioritizing mission flexibility and survivability in highly contested environments. Furthermore, the SAFE program’s “kit” strategy represents a highly pragmatic procurement approach, allowing the military to modernize its legacy fleet of Black Hawks cost-effectively while bridging the gap to next-generation vertical lift platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an Optimally Piloted Vehicle (OPV)?

An Optimally Piloted Vehicle, or optionally piloted vehicle, is an aircraft equipped with advanced autonomous systems that allow it to be flown by a traditional human crew onboard, operated remotely from a ground station, or flown completely independently by onboard computers.

When and where was the first autonomous-ready Black Hawk delivered?

The U.S. Army officially received the H-60Mx Black Hawk on March 19, 2026, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

What is the SAFE program?

The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program is a U.S. Army initiative aimed at developing a universal, scalable autonomy kit that can be retrofitted onto existing helicopters, like the Black Hawk, to provide them with autonomous flight capabilities.

Sources:

• U.S. Department of War Press Release
• DARPA Communications and Public Affairs Office

This article is based on an official press release from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, supplemented by industry research.

Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components Through 2030

Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a major contract extension with U.S. defense prime Lockheed Martin, ensuring its continued participation in the global F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. According to an official company press release dated March 18, 2026, the agreement is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion (roughly $190 million to $209 million) and will extend Kongsberg’s manufacturing deliveries through the year 2030.

The newly announced contract covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22. Under the terms of the agreement, Kongsberg will continue to manufacture critical structural components, including aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels. These components are slated to support all three variants of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.

This manufacturing extension highlights the enduring economic benefits of the F-35 program for Norway’s domestic defense industry. Although the Royal Norwegian Air Force completed its own procurement of 52 F-35A fighters in 2025, Kongsberg’s role in the global supply chain remains robust, securing long-term industrial continuity and high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region.

Manufacturing Continuity and Component Details

Scope of the Agreement

According to the company’s announcement, all parts under this NOK 2 billion contract will be produced at Kongsberg’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Norway, historically centered at the Arsenalet facility in the town of Kongsberg. The continuation of this production line underscores the stringent quality requirements demanded by the F-35 program. Industry research notes that Kongsberg has maintained a strong track record of on-time deliveries, which has been instrumental in securing subsequent production lots.

“The deal underscores Kongsberg’s entrenched position as a highly reliable, zero-defect supplier for one of the world’s most advanced and expensive defense programs,” according to defense industry research summarizing the agreement.

A Decade-Long Partnership

Kongsberg has served as a strategic industrial partner to Lockheed Martin for over a decade, initially supplying composite and titanium parts starting in 2010. The partnership is rooted in the F-35 program’s unique international industrial participation model. When allied nations like Norway partnered in the development and procurement of the aircraft, they were granted industrial offsets. This framework allowed domestic companies to bid for manufacturing contracts within the global supply chain. Over the years, Kongsberg successfully expanded its portfolio, notably adding main landing gear closeout panels to its production line in 2015.

Norway’s Expanding Role in the F-35 Ecosystem

Transitioning from Procurement to Sustainment

While the manufacturing of new components remains a significant revenue stream, Kongsberg has also heavily invested in the long-term sustainment of the F-35 fleet. In 2025, Norway received the last of its planned 52 F-35A fighters, which are currently stationed at the Ørland and Evenes air bases to serve as a critical component of NATO’s northern border defense. Following the completion of this fleet, Kongsberg shifted focus toward domestic maintenance.

Industry data indicates that in March 2025, Kongsberg signed a 15-year agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to handle the maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of the Norwegian F-35 fleet. Furthermore, in October 2025, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services opened a new 5,000-square-meter F-35 maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway. This facility operates alongside an existing depot for F-135 engines that opened in 2020, allowing Norway to perform heavy maintenance domestically rather than exporting the work.

The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) Integration

Beyond structural components and maintenance, Kongsberg’s relationship with the F-35 program is deeply tied to the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Developed specifically by Kongsberg to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A without compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile, the JSM is a long-range precision strike missile. The successful integration of this weapon system continues to drive further revenue for Kongsberg and enhances the tactical appeal of the F-35 platform for allied nations.

AirPro News analysis

We view this NOK 2 billion contract extension as a textbook example of how initial defense procurement offsets can translate into decades of sustained industrial revenue. With the global F-35 fleet surpassing 1,300 delivered aircraft as of early 2026, the demand for replacement parts, structural components, and heavy maintenance is virtually guaranteed for the next several decades. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, which recorded total revenues of NOK 58.6 billion in 2025 across its 15,000-employee global workforce, has successfully insulated itself from the typical “boom and bust” cycles of domestic military procurement. By embedding itself into both the manufacturing of Lots 20-22 and the 15-year sustainment tail of the Norwegian fleet, Kongsberg has secured a highly defensible market position within NATO’s premier Military-Aircraft program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What components is Kongsberg manufacturing for the F-35?

Under the new contract, Kongsberg will manufacture aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels for all three variants of the F-35 (A, B, and C models).

How much is the contract worth?

The contract extension with Lockheed Martin is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion, which translates to roughly $190 million to $209 million.

When does the contract run through?

The agreement covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22, ensuring manufacturing deliveries from Kongsberg through the year 2030.

Sources

• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from BAE Systems.

On March 17, 2026, BAE Systems announced it had been awarded a sustainment and modernization contract by Robins Air Force Base in Georgia to support the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS). The ADS serves as the primary electronic warfare (EW) and self-protection suite for the U.S. Air-Forces’s U-2 Dragon Lady, a high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

According to the company’s press release, the contract ensures continuous field service support, hardware repairs, and critical Software updates for the aircraft’s defensive systems. This ongoing maintenance is designed to keep the U-2 survivable in highly contested airspace, allowing it to detect and engage new, emerging threats.

The announcement highlights a fascinating dynamic within the U.S. Air Force: while the military branch has publicly planned to begin divesting the aging U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026, it continues to invest in state-of-the-art electronic warfare capabilities to protect the aircraft during active, high-stakes deployments.

Sustaining the AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System

Hardware and Software Modernization

The AN/ALQ-221 system provides U-2 pilots with integrated Radar-Systems warning and electronic countermeasures. By utilizing long-range sensors and onboard processing, the system delivers essential situational awareness and self-protection. According to the BAE Systems press release, the sustainment work will be primarily executed by experts at the company’s facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, alongside dedicated field service representatives deployed globally.

Industry research data indicates that the AN/ALQ-221 is specifically tailored for the U-2’s extreme operating environment at altitudes exceeding 70,000 feet. The system relies on 13 receivers and transmitters to detect surface-to-air and air-to-air threats. Crucially, the system’s architecture allows for inflight software updates, enabling the aircraft to adapt its target recognition algorithms and jamming techniques without requiring extensive hardware overhauls.

“The Advanced Defensive System for the U-2 is part of BAE Systems’ long legacy in electronic warfare. Evolving, modernizing, and sustaining EW systems is in our DNA. Our efforts ensure they can operate effectively throughout their lifecycles.”

A Legacy of Electronic Warfare

While the U-2 airframe is a Cold War-era icon, its internal systems have been continuously modernized. Development of the ALQ-221 began in 2004, reaching Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in October 2005 as part of the U-2’s Block 20 modernization program, according to historical defense data. BAE Systems notes in its release that the aircraft’s unique, modular design and open Avionics architecture allow engineers to quickly develop, test, and field new capabilities to support modern battlespace operations.

The U-2 Dragon Lady in Modern Operations

Balancing Retirement and Relevance

The sustainment of the AN/ALQ-221 comes at a pivotal moment for the U-2 program. Based on U.S. Air Force budget documents, the military has planned to begin retiring the U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026 to reallocate funds toward space-based sensors and classified unmanned systems. However, congressional pushback and the aircraft’s unmatched operational capabilities have kept it flying.

Recent operational data shows the U-2 remains heavily engaged in active missions. The aircraft has recently been deployed in support of “Operation Epic Fury,” providing vital signals and imagery intelligence over high-threat areas. Furthermore, in August 2025, the U-2 celebrated its 70th anniversary of flight, marked by a record-breaking 14-hour, 6,000-mile mission flown by a TU-2S trainer variant over all 48 contiguous U.S. states.

“Ensuring the mission readiness of the U-2 fleet requires a constant evolution of its defensive capabilities to match emerging global threats.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe a compelling “twilight tech” paradox surrounding the U-2 Dragon Lady. The Air Force is actively navigating the planned retirement of a 70-year-old airframe, yet it is simultaneously awarding Contracts to equip that same aircraft with cutting-edge electronic warfare software. This underscores a broader shift in modern aerial combat: survival is increasingly dictated by software rather than the airframe itself.

Because legacy platforms like the U-2 lack physical stealth characteristics, they rely entirely on advanced electronic warfare to remain undetected or un-targetable in the electromagnetic spectrum. By leveraging the U-2’s open architecture to push algorithmic updates to the AN/ALQ-221, defense contractors can allow a Cold War-era jet to outsmart 21st-century surface-to-air missile systems. Furthermore, the U-2’s current role as a high-altitude surrogate testbed for 5th- and 6th-generation fighter technologies, as well as the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) network, makes its continued survival a strategic necessity for the Pentagon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AN/ALQ-221?
The AN/ALQ-221 Advanced Defensive System (ADS) is an integrated electronic warfare suite designed by BAE Systems. It provides radar warning and electronic countermeasures for the U.S. Air Force’s U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.

Where is the sustainment work being performed?
According to BAE Systems, the system is sustained by experts at the company’s facility in Nashua, New Hampshire, and by dedicated field service representatives deployed with the aircraft.

Is the U-2 aircraft being retired?
The U.S. Air Force has outlined plans to begin divesting the U-2 fleet in Fiscal Year 2026 to fund newer technologies. However, the aircraft remains in active service for critical intelligence missions, and its defensive systems continue to receive funding and upgrades.

Sources

• BAE Systems Official Press Release