Defense & Military
Malaysia Cancels Black Hawk Helicopter Deal Over Safety Concerns
Malaysia scraps Black Hawk helicopter deal after King’s safety concerns highlight flaws in defense procurement and modernization challenges.
Malaysia Scraps Black Hawk Deal After King Calls Aging Helicopters “Flying Coffins”
Malaysia’s defense procurement process has come under intense scrutiny after King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s highly publicized intervention led to the cancellation of a planned acquisition of four UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters. The King’s blunt characterization of the aging helicopters as “flying coffins” not only halted a contentious RM187 million ($44 million) deal but also exposed deep-rooted issues within Malaysia’s military acquisition practices. The episode has ignited a national debate on defense modernization, transparency, and the safety of Malaysia’s armed forces amid rising regional security challenges.
The King’s intervention, delivered during the 60th anniversary of Malaysia’s Special Service Regiment, highlighted longstanding weaknesses in the country’s defense procurement system, ranging from political interference and corruption to chronic underfunding. His reference to the disastrous 1980s Skyhawk acquisition as a cautionary tale underscores how past failures continue to impact Malaysia’s current military posture and procurement decisions.
This article examines the factors leading to the Black Hawk deal’s collapse, the historical and systemic issues underlying Malaysia’s defense procurement challenges, and the broader implications for military modernization and regional security.
Background on Malaysia’s Defense Procurement Challenges
Malaysia’s defense procurement system has long struggled with inefficiencies, cost overruns, and questionable decision-making. Despite billions spent, the armed forces often rely on aging equipment. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently acknowledged in Parliament that ships from 1976 remain in service, attributing this to flawed procurement, political interference, and over-reliance on private agents. He argued for a shift toward government-to-government agreements to enhance accountability and reduce the influence of intermediaries.
The 2025 defense budget allocates RM21.2 billion (about $4.9 billion), an 8% increase from the previous year. However, experts such as maritime affairs scholar Salawati Mat Basir have called this insufficient given escalating regional threats, particularly in the South China Sea, where Chinese coast guard vessels reportedly enter Malaysian waters daily. Defense specialist Lam Choong Wah noted that the increased funding remains inadequate for comprehensive modernization, especially as maintenance costs for obsolete equipment continue to climb.
Corruption and information security breaches further erode procurement effectiveness. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission recently uncovered a syndicate of senior officers leaking operational information, with bribes ranging from RM30,000 to RM50,000 per trip. Such corruption not only wastes resources but also creates vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
The King’s Unprecedented Intervention
Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s intervention is notable for its directness and public nature. Speaking at a major military event in August 2025, he questioned the wisdom of acquiring helicopters he described as “flying coffins,” a pointed reference to the country’s troubled history with aging military-aircraft. The King’s rhetorical question, “Are we going to put our pilots in flying coffins? Think for yourselves”, underscored his concern for the safety of military personnel and the integrity of procurement decisions.
The monarch’s criticism extended to the role of middlemen and agents in inflating prices. He remarked, “If we have to follow the middleman’s (inflated) price in every procurement, then the existing allocation won’t be sufficient,” highlighting a key source of inefficiency. His frustration was evident in his warning that he would cease offering guidance if his advice continued to be ignored.
The timing and setting of his remarks, during the anniversary of the elite Special Service Regiment and in the presence of top defense officials, ensured that his message resonated at the highest levels. The King’s intervention has since become a catalyst for renewed scrutiny of defense procurement practices.
“Are we going to put our pilots in flying coffins? Think for yourselves.” — Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, King of Malaysia
The Black Hawk Deal: Timeline and Failures
The Black Hawk procurement saga began in May 2023, when the Ministry of Defence signed a five-year lease with Aerotree Defence and Services for four UH-60A+ helicopters. The first delivery, initially scheduled for November 2023, was delayed to April 2024, then to October 2024, with the company citing global supply chain disruptions, including the conflict in Ukraine.
Despite the delays, preparations continued: Malaysian Army pilots were sent to Turkey for Black Hawk simulator training. However, after Aerotree failed to deliver by the October deadline, the Ministry cancelled the contract. In August 2025, a new tender was issued, again referencing Black Hawk specifications, but the King’s intervention ultimately led to the deal’s abandonment.
The helicopters in question, UH-60A models, were reportedly over 30 years old. While the Black Hawk is a proven platform, the age of these particular airframes raised concerns about reliability, maintenance costs, and safety, echoing issues seen in previous Malaysian acquisitions.
Historical Precedent: The Skyhawk “Flying Coffin” Legacy
The King’s reference to “flying coffins” recalls Malaysia’s ill-fated 1980s purchase of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk jets. In 1982, Malaysia acquired 88 Skyhawks from U.S. Navy storage for about $88 million. Although the deal appeared cost-effective, only 40 aircraft ever entered service; the rest were used for spare parts. The fleet suffered frequent maintenance issues and a high accident rate, leading to early retirement in 1995.
The Skyhawk program’s operational and financial failures had lasting effects. Maintenance challenges, difficulty sourcing spare parts, and tragic incidents, including the 1988 disappearance of a Malaysian pilot, highlighted the dangers of acquiring obsolete equipment. The program’s failure set back air force modernization and wasted significant resources.
This historical experience has made Malaysian leaders wary of repeating past mistakes. The parallels between the Skyhawk and Black Hawk cases, both involving aging American aircraft, underscore the risks of prioritizing short-term savings over long-term reliability and safety.
Malaysia’s Helicopter Capability Gap Crisis
The cancellation of the Black Hawk deal has left Malaysia with a critical shortfall in helicopter capabilities. The retirement of the Sikorsky S-61A Nuri fleet in 2020, after nearly six decades of service, created an immediate need for replacements. The Nuri fleet was grounded after a series of technical incidents, with maintenance costs and spare parts procurement becoming unsustainable for helicopters averaging 45 years in age.
Currently, the Royal Malaysian Air Force operates only 14 helicopters, 12 Airbus H225Ms and two S-70As, a number insufficient for the country’s geographic and operational demands. The failed Black Hawk lease was intended to partially address this gap, but concerns about the airframes’ age and safety led to its cancellation.
Military planners are now considering alternatives, including the Leonardo AW149, as part of a plan to acquire 24 new helicopters in two phases. However, the success of this strategy will depend on overcoming the same procurement and funding challenges that have plagued previous efforts.
“Maintaining the Nuri helicopters would cost substantial amounts of money, with spare parts taking between nine to 18 months to obtain, even when funding was available.” — RMAF Chief General Datuk Seri Ackbal Abdul Samad
Systemic Issues in Defense Procurement
The Black Hawk episode has highlighted systemic flaws in Malaysia’s defense procurement system. The prevalence of intermediaries and agents, often with political or personal connections, has led to inflated prices and compromised decision-making. The King’s comments about “former generals who have become salesmen” and “textile firms wanting to sell us drones” illustrate the extent of the problem.
Prime Minister Anwar’s acknowledgment of corruption within the defense establishment adds weight to concerns about transparency and accountability. The discovery of syndicates leaking sensitive information for bribes points to vulnerabilities that extend beyond procurement inefficiency to national security risks.
Technical evaluation processes are also under scrutiny. The repeated selection of aging platforms, such as the Skyhawk and Black Hawk, suggests that long-term costs and operational requirements are not given sufficient priority. Institutional learning and corrective action remain limited, as evidenced by the persistence of similar procurement failures over decades.
Financial Constraints and Budget Realities
Malaysia’s defense budget, while increasing modestly, remains constrained relative to the country’s modernization needs and regional security environment. The RM21.2 billion allocation for 2025 is dwarfed by neighboring Singapore’s S$20.2 billion ($15.3 billion) defense budget, highlighting the scale of Malaysia’s funding gap.
Much of the budget is consumed by maintenance of outdated equipment, leaving little for new acquisitions. For example, the Ministry’s plan to acquire new naval vessels is limited by the RM5.8 billion earmarked for maintenance and repair. The temptation to acquire cheaper, older platforms persists, but this often results in higher total costs due to increased maintenance and early retirement.
The pressure to modernize is acute given rising regional tensions, particularly in the South China Sea. The daily presence of Chinese coast guard vessels in Malaysian waters underscores the need for effective surveillance and rapid response capabilities, roles that modern helicopters are well-suited to fill, provided they are reliable and adequately supported.
Conclusion
Malaysia’s cancellation of the Black Hawk helicopter deal, prompted by the King’s intervention, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s defense policy. The episode has exposed persistent flaws in procurement practices, from reliance on intermediaries to inadequate technical evaluation and chronic underfunding. The King’s reference to “flying coffins” serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of prioritizing short-term cost savings over long-term safety and operational effectiveness.
Moving forward, Malaysia faces a dual challenge: addressing its immediate helicopter capability gap and implementing systemic procurement reforms. Success will require political will, institutional restructuring, and a commitment to transparency and professional expertise. The outcome of ongoing and future tenders, including the potential acquisition of the Leonardo AW149, will serve as a litmus test for the country’s ability to break the cycle of procurement dysfunction and enhance its military readiness in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
FAQ
Why did Malaysia cancel the Black Hawk helicopter deal?
The deal was canceled following the King’s intervention, citing safety concerns over the age of the helicopters and broader issues with procurement practices, including the influence of middlemen and inflated costs.
What are the main challenges facing Malaysia’s defense procurement?
Key challenges include political interference, corruption, reliance on intermediaries, insufficient funding, and a lack of technical rigor in evaluating equipment.
How does the helicopter gap affect Malaysia’s military capabilities?
The retirement of the Nuri fleet and the failed Black Hawk deal have left the armed forces with insufficient rotary-wing transport capacity, impacting troop mobility, disaster response, and surveillance.
What alternatives is Malaysia considering to replace its aging helicopter fleet?
The Ministry of Defence is reportedly considering the Leonardo AW149 and planning a phased acquisition of 24 new helicopters, but success will depend on overcoming longstanding procurement challenges.
What reforms are being proposed to improve Malaysia’s defense procurement?
Both the King and the Prime Minister have called for greater transparency, reduced reliance on intermediaries, professional evaluation processes, and a shift towards government-to-government agreements.
Sources
Photo Credit: PlaneSpotters
Defense & Military
Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to RAAF
Raytheon delivers first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods to the Royal Australian Air Force, enhancing electronic attack capabilities on EA-18G Growlers.
This article is based on an official press release from Raytheon (RTX).
Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to the Royal Australian Air Force
Raytheon, an RTX business, has officially announced the delivery of its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). According to a company press release issued on April 20, 2026, this initial delivery of shipsets was completed ahead of schedule in September 2025, with subsequent deliveries planned to continue throughout 2026.
The NGJ-MB program, officially designated as the AN/ALQ-249, represents a major cooperative development and production effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is an advanced airborne electronic attack platform designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communication systems, allowing allied aircrews to operate safely in contested environments.
To ensure the RAAF maintains operational and mission readiness, Raytheon noted in its release that it is providing on-site deployment and maintenance support directly in Australia.
Upgrading the Electronic Attack Arsenal
Transitioning from Legacy Systems
The introduction of the NGJ-MB marks a generational leap in electronic warfare. Based on supplementary research data, the NGJ program was initiated to replace the aging AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in active service since 1972. The legacy ALQ-99 system has increasingly faced reliability issues and interference challenges with modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems.
In contrast, the new NGJ-MB utilizes its own AESA technology radiating in the mid-band frequency range. Furthermore, research indicates that the system features a fully digital, Software-defined architecture, enabling rapid updates to counter emerging electromagnetic threats.
“This Delivery marks a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and RAAF on NGJ. This advanced technology will greatly enhance RAAF’s electronic warfare capabilities, safeguarding vital assets on its aircraft and more effectively neutralizing adversary technologies across a wide range of missions.”
Integration with the EA-18G Growler
The NGJ-MB pods are designed to be externally mounted on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. According to defense research reports, the RAAF currently operates a fleet of 11 EA-18G Growlers assigned to No. 6 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The integration of these advanced jamming pods is a core component of Australia’s broader “Project AIR 5349 Phase 6,” a $6 billion initiative aimed at comprehensively upgrading the RAAF’s Growler fleet to match current U.S. capabilities.
Program Milestones and Combat-Proven Technology
Recent Deployments and Contracts
The NGJ-MB system arrives in Australia with a proven operational track record. According to defense research, the U.S. Navy officially declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in December 2024. Shortly thereafter, the jammer saw its first combat deployment in 2024 with the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, where it was utilized during operations against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Following these successful deployments, Raytheon secured a $580 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy in May 2025. This contract, which runs through 2028, covers additional NGJ-MB systems for both U.S. and RAAF operations.
“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars…”
Progress on the Low-Band Increment
The NGJ program is an evolutionary acquisition divided into multiple spectrum increments. While Raytheon is delivering the Mid-Band pods, progress is also underway for the Low-Band variant (NGJ-LB). Research data shows that in August 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded L3Harris a $587.4 million contract for the engineering and Manufacturing development of the NGJ-LB system, which is also being developed cooperatively with Australia.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we view the accelerated delivery of the NGJ-MB to the RAAF as a critical indicator of deepening defense interoperability between the United States and Australia. As the strategic focus shifts heavily toward the Indo-Pacific region, spectrum dominance is becoming just as vital as traditional air superiority. The transition to software-defined electronic attack systems like the NGJ-MB highlights a broader defense industry trend: the necessity for agile, easily upgradable platforms that can adapt to rapidly evolving surface-to-air missile systems and advanced adversary radars. By equipping its EA-18G Growlers with this technology, the RAAF is significantly enhancing the survivability of allied 4th and 5th-generation fighters in highly contested airspaces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB)?
The NGJ-MB (AN/ALQ-249) is an advanced airborne electronic attack system developed by Raytheon. It uses active electronically scanned arrays to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications.
Which aircraft will carry the NGJ-MB for Australia?
The Royal Australian Air Force will mount the NGJ-MB pods on its fleet of 11 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, based at RAAF Base Amberley.
What system is the NGJ replacing?
The NGJ program is designed to replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in service since 1972.
Sources: Raytheon Press Release
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
Boeing Delivers B-52 Co-Pilot Keyboards Over a Year Early
Boeing delivered new co-pilot keyboards early to support the US Air Force’s $48.6B B-52 modernization and 2026 flight testing.
This article is based on an internal press release from Boeing. The original report is hosted on an internal employee portal; this article summarizes publicly available elements and provided research context.
The Boeing Company has achieved a significant localized supply chain and manufacturing victory in its effort to modernize the United States Air Force’s aging bomber fleet. According to an internal Boeing News Network release, cross-functional teams successfully collaborated to deliver new co-pilot keyboards for the B-52 Stratofortress more than a year ahead of schedule.
This early delivery marks a critical step in transforming the bomber’s antiquated analog flight deck into a 21st-century digital workspace. The B-52 first flew in 1952, and the current fleet of 76 B-52H bombers requires extensive upgrades to remain operational. Based on research data provided to AirPro News, the U.S. Air Force is currently executing a massive $48.6 billion modernization program designed to keep these airframes flying into the 2050s, at which point the aircraft will be nearly a century old.
By securing these vital cockpit components well ahead of the projected timeline, Boeing is actively supporting the ongoing 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. The early arrival of the co-pilot keyboards ensures that test aircraft have the necessary avionics hardware to proceed with integration and evaluation without delay.
Replacing the Cold War Cockpit
To understand the significance of a new co-pilot keyboard, we must look at the current state of the B-52H flight deck. The legacy cockpit is notoriously cramped and relies heavily on outdated analog technology. Aircrews have long managed complex, modern mission sets using hardware that visually belongs to a bygone era.
Highlighting the stark contrast between the aircraft’s age and its capabilities, a B-52 instructor weapon systems officer noted in a 2024 interview provided in our research context:
“You look at this keyboard, it looks like something out of the Cold War. Dr. Strangelove, right?”
Despite its antiquated appearance, the instructor confirmed that crews could still execute every mission set, including deploying the most advanced weapons, using the legacy interface. However, as the aircraft transitions to the new B-52J designation, these older systems are being entirely replaced.
The “Glass Cockpit” Transformation
According to program documentation, the dashboard of analog dials is being ripped out in favor of a modern “glass cockpit.” This upgrade includes four large 8×10 color multifunction digital displays, new data concentrator units, and a digital-mechanical hybrid throttle system.
The newly delivered co-pilot keyboards are central to this digital overhaul. Research indicates that these keyboards will interface directly with the aircraft’s upgraded mission computers and the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) system. The CONECT system is a vital modernization feature that allows crews to change mission plans and retarget weapons in flight via satellite. Furthermore, the keyboards will integrate with the bomber’s new digital engine gauges, providing the co-pilot with streamlined control over the aircraft’s modernized systems.
The $48.6 Billion B-52J Modernization Effort
The early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards does not exist in a vacuum; it supports two massive, concurrent upgrade programs currently being integrated by Boeing at its facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and Oklahoma City. These initiatives are essential to the bomber’s redesignation as the B-52J.
Radar and Engine Overhauls
The first major initiative is the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). According to defense research data, Boeing is replacing the B-52’s failing 1960s mechanical radar with a new Raytheon AN/APQ-188 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a system derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. This upgrade requires entirely new high-definition touchscreens and controller interfaces for the navigators and pilots. In December 2025, Boeing delivered the first B-52 equipped with this new radar to Edwards Air Force Base for ground and flight testing, which is taking place throughout 2026.
Concurrently, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) is underway. The Air Force is replacing the bomber’s eight obsolete Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with modern, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce F130 engines. In late December 2025 and early January 2026, the Pentagon awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to begin modifying the first two test aircraft with these new engines and their associated digital cockpit controls.
AirPro News analysis
From an industry perspective, the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards is a notable victory for supply-chain resilience and program momentum. Defense manufacturing has been heavily plagued by post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks, parts shortages, and siloed engineering in recent years.
The broader B-52 modernization effort has faced intense scrutiny. In 2025, the Pentagon reported that the B-52 engine modernization program could face delays pushing it into 2026, while the radar program had suffered a cost breach. By delivering the co-pilot keyboards more than a year early, Boeing’s internal teams are actively clawing back schedule margins. This cross-functional teamwork not only offsets previous program delays but also guarantees that the test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base will not be held up by avionics hardware shortages during their critical 2026 evaluation phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the B-52 Modernization Program?
It is a $48.6 billion initiative by the U.S. Air Force to upgrade its fleet of 76 Cold War-era B-52H bombers. The upgrades include new Rolls-Royce engines, a modern AESA radar, and a digital “glass cockpit,” which will result in the aircraft being redesignated as the B-52J.
Why is the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboard important?
The new keyboards are essential for interfacing with the upgraded mission computers, digital engine gauges, and satellite communication systems. Delivering them more than a year early helps offset other program delays and ensures that 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base remains on schedule.
How long will the B-52 remain in service?
With the current modernization efforts, the U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-52 fleet operational into the 2050s, meaning the airframes will fly for nearly 100 years.
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
GoPro Expands into Defense and Aerospace Markets with Oliver Wyman
GoPro partners with Oliver Wyman to enter defense and aerospace sectors after 2025 revenue decline, leveraging technology tested on NASA’s Artemis II mission.
GoPro Pivots Toward Defense and Aerospace Markets
On April 13, 2026, GoPro, Inc. officially announced a strategic expansion beyond its traditional consumer action camera market, setting its sights on the highly regulated defense, government, and aerospace sectors. According to a company press release, the technology firm has engaged management consulting firm Oliver Wyman to identify scalable operational use cases and develop comprehensive go-to-market strategies.
This pivot comes at a critical juncture for the company. Following a challenging 2025 fiscal year, GoPro is seeking to leverage its reputation for rugged, high-quality imaging technology to capture lucrative enterprise and government contracts. The move aligns with a broader industry trend of defense agencies adopting commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies to reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
Strategic Partnership with Oliver Wyman
Identifying Dual-Use Applications
GoPro’s engagement with Oliver Wyman’s Aerospace and Defense practice aims to navigate the complex procurement processes inherent in government contracting. The press release notes that the project scope includes analyzing addressable market segments, exploring technology synergies, and ensuring compliance with stringent performance and security requirements.
Both organizations plan to work closely with defense and aerospace stakeholders to ensure that GoPro’s industry-leading video stabilization and image quality can be effectively integrated into mission-critical environments.
“Defense and aerospace customers are increasingly adopting dual-use, commercially available technologies to move faster and operate with greater cost efficiency,” said Timothy Wickham, Partner in the Aerospace and Defense practice at Oliver Wyman, in the press release. “The opportunity is significant and growing.”
From Extreme Sports to Deep Space
The Artemis II Proving Ground
The formal push into aerospace follows a high-profile demonstration of GoPro’s hardware resilience. On April 1, 2026, NASA launched the Artemis II mission, which utilized modified GoPro cameras. Industry research reports that ruggedized HERO4 Black cameras were mounted externally on the Orion spacecraft’s solar array wings, successfully withstanding microgravity, radiation, and reentry heat. Additionally, the crew utilized consumer-grade HERO11 Black and MAX1 cameras inside the cabin to document the historic voyage.
“For years, GoPro cameras have been used in numerous diverse use cases in these sectors, including recently being mounted to the solar array wings on the Artemis II Orion spacecraft,” stated GoPro founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman in the official announcement.
Woodman added that the collaboration with Oliver Wyman will help the company determine more formal and scalable opportunities while accounting for the operational and regulatory dynamics of these new markets.
Financial Headwinds and Market Opportunities
2025 Financial Performance
The diversification strategy is underpinned by recent financial headwinds. According to industry market data, GoPro experienced a 19% year-over-year revenue decline in 2025, dropping to $652 million. Camera unit sell-through fell by 20% to approximately 2 million units, resulting in a GAAP net loss of $93 million. The company’s subscriber base also saw a 7% decline, settling at 2.36 million.
The Dual-Use Market Boom
By targeting the defense and aerospace sectors, GoPro is entering a rapidly expanding market. Research data indicates that the global GovTech dual-use defense platform market was valued at $31.0 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $99.8 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%. Furthermore, the broader global unmanned systems market, valued at $29.3 billion in 2025, is forecast to reach $67.6 billion by 2033, with North America accounting for over 44% of the market share.
AirPro News analysis
We view GoPro’s strategic pivot as a necessary evolution to insulate the company from the volatility of the consumer retail market. With the anticipated Q2 2026 launch of its next-generation AI-enabled image processor, the GP3, GoPro has an opportunity to position its upgraded technology for high-margin enterprise applications. Success in this arena will depend heavily on the company’s ability to adapt its consumer hardware to meet strict military-grade specifications and successfully navigate the bureaucratic complexities of defense procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is GoPro entering the defense and aerospace markets?
Following a 19% revenue decline in 2025, GoPro is seeking to diversify its revenue streams by offering its rugged, high-quality imaging technology to government and enterprise clients, capitalizing on the growing demand for dual-use commercial technologies.
What role did GoPro play in the Artemis II mission?
During the April 1, 2026 launch of Artemis II, NASA utilized modified GoPro HERO4 Black cameras on the exterior solar array wings of the Orion spacecraft, while astronauts used HERO11 Black and MAX1 cameras inside the cabin.
Who is Oliver Wyman?
Oliver Wyman is a global management consulting firm and a business of Marsh. GoPro has engaged their Aerospace and Defense practice to help identify operational use cases and develop go-to-market strategies for government contracts.
Sources
Photo Credit: GoPro
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