The U.S. Army has announced a significant step in its aviation modernization strategy. According to Major General Michael McCurry, commander of the Army Aviation Center of Excellence, a total of 157 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters — representing about 8% of the current fleet — will be retired. This decision aims to optimize resources, reduce costs, and redirect funding toward future aviation requirements.

The move is closely tied to the Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. In late 2022, Bell Textron’s V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft was selected to replace the Black Hawk in upcoming decades. With its vertical takeoff and landing capability, extended range, and higher speed, the V-280 Valor is expected to provide superior operational performance compared to the decades-old Black Hawk fleet.

The helicopters scheduled for retirement will primarily be older variants, which are more costly to maintain and operate. This measure is expected to generate significant savings while allowing the Army to sustain combat readiness. Major General McCurry emphasized that the strategy is about “balancing readiness for today with investment in the future.”

The first prototypes of the V-280 Valor are expected to be delivered in 2025 under the agreement with Bell Textron. The introduction of this new platform marks a turning point in U.S. military aviation, ensuring that the Army’s rotorcraft capabilities remain aligned with 21st-century operational demands and technological advancements.