Sikorsky offers new armed Black Hawk kits to expand mission capabilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 15, 2026 — Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, unveiled new Armed Black Hawk helicopter kits designed to expand the aircraft’s role across airmobile assault, close support, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and tactical lift missions. The company said the approach allows commanders to use a single, battle-tested airframe for multiple mission sets, reducing the need for separate fleet types.

“The new Armed Black Hawk kits give warfighters one aircraft that can do it all: a single, versatile, combat-proven platform where ground units can quickly switch out the commercially-produced kits, keeping mission readiness high,” said Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “Offering these upgraded kits is another example of our commitment to delivering 21st Century Security solutions that deliver unmatched performance, lifecycle savings and gives soldiers the reliable, interoperable capability they need to win today and tomorrow.”

Sikorsky said the kits are production-ready and offered in two configurations that provide either close support or precision strike capabilities. Operators can adopt an integrated armament solution immediately or add capability later via modular armament wings.

The company described a three-hour mission reconfiguration, enabling rapid role changes. It also emphasized cost and sustainment benefits from fielding a single multirole fleet, citing a robust supply chain and projected Black Hawk operations beyond 2070 as factors in lifecycle savings for maintenance and training.

Sales channels include Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sale. Sikorsky said the kits can be integrated into FMS fleets supported by Lockheed Martin in the United States, with direct commercial installations available through PZL Mielec, a Lockheed Martin company, in Poland.

Building on experience supporting an armed Black Hawk fleet in the Middle East, the company positioned the helicopter as a leader in multi-mission, medium-lift operations. It said the aircraft’s ability to operate at extended ranges and in demanding environments enhances survivability and overall mission effectiveness.

Sikorsky noted that the Black Hawk platform continues to evolve, with upgrades since the “M” model’s 2006 introduction. Current efforts include installing higher output engines, integrating a digital architecture and adding an autonomy system intended to help pilots operate safely and efficiently in challenging conditions.