U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today announced the award of a $122.6 million U.S. Army contract for the procurement of 15 UH-72 Lakota Light Utility Helicopters, which will be manufactured in Columbus.
The Army awarded the contract to Airbus Helicopters, Inc., with an initial obligation of $61.3 million with the Tuesday contract notice. All work will be performed at the Airbus facility in Columbus.
“This is excellent news for the skilled manufacturers in Columbus who build the Lakota helicopter,” Wicker said. “As our military works to develop the next generation of helicopter pilots, the Lakota will be there to help. Mississippians can be proud of that legacy.”
“The distribution of these appropriated funds will help fulfill an unfunded priority for the Army. The talented workforce in the Golden Triangle Region will produce these UH-72 helicopters in a manner that reflects well on them and their commitment to our national security,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The contract sets an expected Aug. 31, 2022, completion date.
Funding for the contract originates with increased appropriations secured in FY2018.
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Release from Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith.
