This article is based on an official press release from Collins Elbit Vision Systems (RTX).

Critical Design Review Completed for Navy’s Next-Gen Helmet

Collins Elbit Vision Systems (CEVS), a joint venture between RTX’s Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America, has officially announced the completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+). This milestone, finalized on December 12, 2025, marks a pivotal step in the U.S. Navy’s Improved Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (IJHMCS) program.

The successful CDR effectively freezes the system’s design, confirming that the helmet meets the Navy’s rigorous requirements for safety, performance, and platform integration. With the design locked, the program now transitions into the airworthiness testing and integration phase, bringing the system closer to deployment aboard the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets.

According to the press release, the Zero-G HMDS+ is engineered to address long-standing physiological challenges faced by naval aviators while introducing “6th-generation” digital capabilities to existing 4.5-generation aircraft.

Technical Leap: The Zero-G HMDS+

The Zero-G HMDS+ represents a significant departure from legacy analog systems. While previous iterations required pilots to physically attach heavy Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) for low-light operations, the new system integrates digital night vision directly into the visor. This integration streamlines cockpit operations and reduces the physical burden on the aircrew.

Weight Reduction and Pilot Safety

A primary driver for the Zero-G’s development is the reduction of head-borne weight. High-G maneuvers in fighter aircraft place immense strain on a pilot’s neck and spine, a hazard exacerbated by heavy, unbalanced legacy helmets. CEVS reports that the Zero-G system is more than 25 percent lighter than current market alternatives. Its name is derived from its optimized center of gravity, designed to minimize fatigue and long-term injury risks.

Capt. Joseph Kamara, the U.S. Navy Program Manager for Naval Aircrew Systems (PMA-202), emphasized the safety implications of the new design in a statement:

“Aircrew health and safety is our number one priority. The Zero-G being integrated through our IJHMCS program promises to relieve aircrew of neck and back strain and greatly improve ejection safety.”

Advanced Display Capabilities

Beyond ergonomics, the helmet utilizes a binocular waveguide display system. Unlike monocular reticles used in older models, this technology projects high-definition color symbology and video into both eyes, creating a fully immersive 3D view of the battlespace. The system is capable of “sensor fusion at the edge,” processing mission data and weapon information directly on the helmet to act as a primary flight instrument.

Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Elbit Systems of America, highlighted the strategic necessity of this upgrade:

“Zero-G is providing sensor fusion at the edge… As fighter aircraft level-up, the HMDs of those systems need to as well.”

Program Timeline and Deployment

The Zero-G HMDS+ program has moved rapidly since CEVS was awarded a $16 million contract by the U.S. Navy in September 2023 for development and test support. Following the successful CDR in December 2025, the program is scheduled to undergo flight testing and Avionics integration throughout 2026 and 2027.

The U.S. Navy projects Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in 2027. Once fielded, it is expected to equip aviators across the entire fleet of U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force Super Hornets and Growlers, totaling more than 750 aircraft.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of the CDR signals a critical maturity point for the Navy’s effort to modernize the human-machine interface in its tactical fleet. While much industry attention is focused on future platforms like NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance), the Zero-G program illustrates the military’s commitment to maintaining the lethality and survivability of its existing backbone fleet.

By adapting technology originally matured for the F-35 Gen III helmet, CEVS is effectively retrofitting advanced situational awareness tools onto older airframes. This approach not only extends the combat relevance of the Super Hornet but also addresses the acute retention issue of pilot physical health. The shift to digital night vision and balanced weight distribution suggests that the Navy views pilot longevity as a critical component of fleet readiness.

Sources

• RTX (Collins Elbit Vision Systems)

This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin and supplementary data from the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command.

Brazilian Army Modernizes Aviation with First Delivery of UH-60M Black Hawks

The Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro) has officially accepted the first of 12 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, marking the commencement of a significant fleet modernization program valued at approximately $950 million. According to an official announcement from Lockheed Martin on December 16, 2025, this delivery represents a critical step in upgrading Brazil’s airmobile capabilities, specifically for operations within the Amazon region.

While the official acceptance ceremony took place in mid-December, the aircraft physically arrived in Brazil on November 20, 2025. It was transported aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to Guarulhos International Airport before being ferried to the Army Aviation Command (CAvEx) in Taubaté for technical integration. The acquisition, facilitated through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) approved by the U.S. State Department in May 2024, aims to replace aging airframes that have served for over two decades.

The new fleet is designated to replace four older UH-60L Black Hawks and eight Airbus AS532 UE Cougars. By transitioning to the modern “M” variant, the Brazilian Army intends to streamline logistics and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces during joint exercises.

Technical Upgrades for Amazon Operations

The transition from the legacy UH-60L to the UH-60M model offers specific performance advantages essential for Brazil’s challenging geography. The Amazon region, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, requires aircraft capable of “hot and high” performance. The new helicopters are equipped with T700-GE-701D engines, which provide increased power compared to the 701C engines found in the older fleet.

In addition to improved propulsion, the UH-60M features wide-chord rotor blades. These composite blades are more resistant to corrosion, a vital feature for tropical environments, and provide approximately 500 pounds of additional lift. The cockpit has also been modernized, moving from analog gauges to a fully digital “glass” cockpit, which reduces pilot workload and improves situational awareness through digital moving maps.

“The arrival of the first UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter in Brazil is a proud moment in our ongoing partnership. These aircraft will play a critical role in supporting the Brazilian Army’s operations.”

Rich Benton, Vice President at Sikorsky

Strategic Context and Future Capabilities

The 12 new helicopters will be assigned to the 2nd Army Aviation Battalion (2º BAvEx) based in Taubaté, with future deployments expected to support the 4th BAvEx in Manaus. Their mission profile is diverse, covering border security, counter-narcotics operations, and humanitarian relief efforts such as medical evacuations and disaster response during floods or landslides.

Brazilian Army officials have highlighted that this purchase is not merely a replacement of inventory but a strategic enhancement of capability. Lt. Col. Leandro Batista de Oliveira, the Brazilian Army’s FMS Manager, noted the dual purpose of the acquisition: renewing the fleet for domestic support and maintaining alignment with international partners.

“This purchase was made to renew our fleet and maintain our capabilities to support Brazilian society… as well as to maintain interoperability between Brazil and the USA. The next step in this project is, in the near future, to weaponize our UH-60M to acquire attack capabilities.”

Lt. Col. Leandro Batista de Oliveira, Brazilian Army

AirPro News Analysis

We view the Brazilian Army’s decision to replace the Airbus AS532 Cougars with Sikorsky UH-60Ms as a significant move toward fleet standardization. Operating a mixed fleet of European and American utility helicopters often incurs higher maintenance and training costs. By consolidating around the Black Hawk platform, CAvEx can streamline its supply chains and pilot training programs.

Furthermore, Lt. Col. Oliveira’s comment regarding the future “weaponization” of these platforms suggests a shift in doctrine. While the Black Hawk is traditionally a utility transport, equipping the “M” model with offensive capabilities would allow it to serve as an armed escort for air assault missions in the Amazon, reducing reliance on dedicated attack helicopters which may lack the range or troop-carrying capacity required for deep jungle operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many helicopters did Brazil order?
The Brazilian Army ordered a total of 12 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

What is the value of the contract?
The total value of the Foreign Military Sale is approximately $950 million.

What aircraft are being replaced?
The new UH-60Ms are replacing four older UH-60L Black Hawks (in service since 1997) and eight Airbus AS532 UE Cougars.

When will the remaining helicopters be delivered?
Following the first delivery in December 2025, the remaining 11 aircraft are scheduled for delivery through 2029.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin
• U.S. Army Security Assistance Command

Partnerships in Flight: GE Aerospace and South Korea Deepen 60-Year Alliance

For over six decades, the relationship between South Korea and GE Aerospace has served as a cornerstone of the nation’s defense capabilities. What began in the 1950s with the supply of engines for F-86 Sabres has evolved into a sophisticated industrial partnership that underpins South Korea’s rapid ascent as a global aerospace powerhouse. According to a December 2025 release from GE Aerospace, this collaboration has now expanded beyond aviation into naval propulsion, signaling a new era of technological integration.

As of late 2025, South Korea operates the largest fleet of GE military engines outside the United States, with more than 1,500 engines currently in service. This massive install base supports a wide array of platforms, from the indigenous KUH-1 Surion helicopter to the advanced KF-21 Boramae fighter. The partnership, primarily executed through local industry leader Hanwha Aerospace, has shifted from a traditional vendor-client model to a strategic co-development framework, essential for Seoul’s ambitions to secure technological sovereignty.

From Assembly to Strategic Autonomy

The trajectory of South Korea’s aerospace industry is defined by its transition from importing hardware to licensing production and, ultimately, developing indigenous systems. GE Aerospace highlights that its collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace is central to this strategy. Hanwha, the nation’s primary gas turbine engine specialist, licenses and produces GE engines domestically, ensuring supply chain security and technical knowledge transfer.

Key pillars of this ongoing collaboration include:

• The KF-21 Boramae: South Korea’s flagship 4.5-generation fighter, now in initial mass production, is powered by two F414-GE-400K engines. These engines are assembled locally by Hanwha, providing the thrust necessary for the aircraft to compete in the global export market against established rivals.
• The T-50 Golden Eagle: A highly successful trainer and light combat aircraft powered by the F404 engine. The platform has seen significant export success, further integrating the GE-Hanwha supply chain into global defense markets.
• The KUH-1 Surion: Korea’s indigenous utility Helicopters utilizes the T700 turboshaft engine, a staple of the partnership’s rotorcraft segment.

In October 2025, Hanwha Aerospace secured a new contract for additional T700 and F404 engine kits to support continued production of the Surion and T-50, reaffirming the longevity of these programs.

Expanding Horizons: The Naval Propulsion Deal

While aviation remains the primary focus, the partnership recently expanded into the maritime domain. During the Seoul ADEX 2025 in October, GE Aerospace and Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop marine gas turbine packages.

According to the company’s statement, this agreement aims to adapt GE’s gas turbine technology for South Korea’s next-generation naval destroyers. This move leverages Hanwha’s manufacturing capabilities to localize naval propulsion systems, mirroring the successful model used in the aviation sector.

“The partnership has evolved from simple hardware supply to deep technological collaboration.”

, GE Aerospace Press Release

Commercial Aviation and Fleet Modernization

Beyond the defense sector, the Commercial-Aircraft landscape in South Korea is also undergoing significant modernization. Korean Air, a key industrial partner, solidified plans in 2025 to introduce Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft to its fleet. These next-generation widebodies are powered by GE9X and GEnx engines, respectively.

Furthermore, Korean Air has adopted GE Aerospace’s “Safety Insight” flight data monitoring system. This technology utilizes advanced analytics to enhance operational safety across the carrier’s fleet, demonstrating that the collaboration extends into software and safety management systems as well as hardware.

AirPro News Analysis: The Drive for Independence

While the “Partners in Flight” narrative celebrates a robust alliance, AirPro News notes that South Korea’s long-term strategic goal remains total technological independence. The current relationship with GE Aerospace can be viewed as a vital bridge toward that future.

The South Korean government, through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has announced a roadmap to develop a completely indigenous turbofan engine for fighter jets by the late 2030s. This project, led by Hanwha Aerospace, aims to produce a 15,000 lb-thrust class engine. Achieving this would allow South Korea to export fighter jets without being subject to foreign export control restrictions (such as U.S. ITAR regulations), which currently govern platforms using GE engines.

Additionally, the establishment of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) in 2024 and the “Space Economy” vision, backed by a projected $70 billion investment by 2045, underscores Seoul’s intent to become a top-5 global space power. Hanwha Aerospace’s designation as the system integrator for the KSLV-III launch vehicle further cements its role as the “SpaceX of Korea,” moving the industry gradually away from reliance on international partners for core technologies.

For now, however, the symbiosis is mutually beneficial: GE Aerospace secures a dominant position in a growing market, while South Korea gains the reliable, high-performance propulsion systems needed to fuel its rapid ascent as a premier arms exporter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary engine used in the KF-21 fighter?

The KF-21 Boramae is powered by two F414-GE-400K engines, which are assembled locally in South Korea by Hanwha Aerospace.

How large is GE Aerospace’s footprint in South Korea?

South Korea operates the largest fleet of GE military engines outside of the United States, with over 1,500 engines in service across various platforms.

What is the goal of the recent Naval MoU?

Signed in October 2025, the MoU between GE Aerospace and Hanwha Aerospace focuses on the joint development of marine gas turbine packages for South Korean naval vessels.

Sources

• GE Aerospace
• Hanwha Aerospace
• DAPA