Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky has begun assembling the first CH-53K Pereh helicopter for Israel under a 12-vehicle contract

The American company Lockheed Martin, together with its subsidiary Sikorsky, has begun the final assembly process of the first CH-53K Pereh heavy transport helicopter for the Israeli Air Force. In total, Israel has ordered 12 such helicopters as part of a major contract under the Foreign Military Sales Program (FMS) concluded between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the US government.

This helicopter, also known as the King Stallion, is a deep upgrade of the previous model, the CH-53E Super Stallion. The CH-53K has significantly improved flight characteristics, including an increased payload capacity of up to 16.3 tons on an external suspension. It is capable of transporting heavy loads, equipment and troops, including amphibious landings.

At the operational readiness level of the Israeli CH-53K, helicopter deliveries are expected starting from 2025-2026. These vehicles will significantly enhance the transport and tactical capabilities of the Israeli Air Force, expanding the range of operations for the transportation of large loads, evacuation and combat support.

The approximately $2 billion contract with Israel is a significant part of Sikorsky's export program and demonstrates the high confidence in this type of helicopter, which is already successfully serving in the ranks of the US Army.

The French Defense Procurement Agency has installed the STRIKE firing system on NH-90 TTH "Caïman" helicopters to improve the accuracy of the French army

 The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has officially announced the installation of the STRIKE firing system on one of the most modern multipurpose helicopters of the French Army light aviation (ALAT) — NH-90 TTH "Caïman". This solution is aimed at improving the accuracy and stability of aerial fire in difficult flight conditions. STRIKE (Stabilisateur de Tir Réglable d'Intervention Kinésique et Équilibré) is a stabilizing mechanical system that reduces vibrations and reduces the weight of the weapon on the shooter, allowing accurate shooting from a moving platform.

The system has already been integrated on Gazelle, Cougar and Fennec helicopters and has passed a technical and operational assessment with the participation of armed units. Flight tests were conducted for the NH-90 with various weapons options, including a 12.7 mm M3M machine gun, an HK 417 assault rifle, a PGM Hecate II sniper rifle, and a long-range surveillance system. STRIKE can also be equipped with a telephoto camera to support aerial reconnaissance operations.

In addition, the NH-90 Cayman Standard 2, introduced in April 2025, has improved performance, including powerful engines, increased range and payload, as well as advanced combat control and surveillance equipment. 18 such helicopters are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2029 to the 4th Separate Regiment of Special Operations Helicopters (4e RHFS) in Pau.

The integration of STRIKE significantly expands the capabilities of the French airmobile forces, allowing for more efficient high-precision fire support in dynamic and unstable conditions of action.

French Army light aircraft decommissioning SA330 Puma helicopters in Djibouti

On June 3, 2025, the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) officially announced the decommissioning of SA330 Puma helicopters in the French forces detachment in Djibouti (5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment/DETALAT). This move marks the end of more than thirty years of service for the legendary helicopters, which have long played a key role in providing tactical mobility and support to French troops in this strategically important region.

The outdated SA330 Puma is being replaced by a new generation of NH90 Caïman TTH tactical helicopters with significantly improved performance. The NH90 Cayman TTH is characterized by increased maneuverability, improved crew protection, modern avionics, and enhanced capabilities to perform various tasks, from transporting personnel to conducting search and rescue operations and combat support.

The renewal of the helicopter fleet in Djibouti reflects France's desire to maintain a high level of operational readiness for its overseas forces, as well as adapt to modern security challenges in a region where rapid response and troop mobility are important.

Lithuania strengthens monitoring of transit trains with new helicopter

 On Monday, Lithuanian border guards unveiled a new helicopter that will be used to escort Russian trains passing through the country between Belarus and the Kaliningrad region on the Baltic Sea coast. 

"This helicopter will help strengthen surveillance of trains traveling to and from the Kaliningrad Region," Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich said in a press release.

Beate Gminder, Acting Director General for Migration and Internal Affairs of the European Commission, is expected to participate in the helicopter presentation at the aviation base of the State Border Guard Service in Paluknis, in the municipality of Trakai district.

Airbus unveils prototype NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multipurpose helicopter for the French Army

NH90 Caïman Standard 2

Airbus has unveiled a prototype of the NH90 Caïman Standard 2 multirole helicopter at the SOFINS 2025 International Special Operations Exhibition in Martigny-sur-Mer. The helicopter is designed for the French army and is part of Paris' efforts to integrate next-generation capabilities into units designed for evacuation, fire support and other rapid deployment tasks requiring low visibility.

Key Features of NH90 Caïman Standard 2

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 is an improved version of the previous generation of Caïman Standard 1 helicopters. The new model includes components specifically designed for covert operations. Among them:

- Infrared camera with laser pointer and target designator (EOS410 from Safran);

- Improved radio communications for joint and coalition operations;

- New types of weapons.

The NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopter can be equipped with door-mounted machine guns, multi-functional rockets, rocket blocks and auxiliary cannons. It has a length of 20 meters, a rotor diameter of 16 meters and an external load capacity of 4,200 kilograms. The cabin can accommodate up to 20 soldiers or 10 stretchers for medical evacuation.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 is equipped with two turboshaft engines with up to 2,400 horsepower each. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour, a flight range of 1,600 kilometers, and an operating altitude of 3,500 meters.

Airbus has signed a contract for the production of 18 NH90 Caïman Standard 2 helicopters for the 4th Special Forces Regiment of the French Army in Pai. Helicopter assembly has already begun at the Marignan facility, and deliveries are scheduled for the period from 2026 to 2029. After delivery, the new helicopters will replace the aging H215M Cougar and H225M Caracal models, also manufactured by Airbus.

The NH90 Cayman Standard 2 will play an important role in the operational capabilities of the French special forces, providing them with greater flexibility and effectiveness in difficult combat conditions.

Helicopter Crash Over Potomac: Inexperienced Female Pilot at the Controls Raises Questions About Fatal Decision-Making

 

The helicopter that crashed into the plane was operated by a woman with 500 flight hours.

Translated into automotive, this is equivalent to a car ice with half a year of experience (on average, we spend 3 hours a day in a car).

The female pilot was allowed to fly at an altitude of 200 feet, and she decided to fly at 400 to admire the city.

She was told to fly along the shore, but she decided to fly romantically over the water.

She was asked if she could see the plane, she said yes, but at that moment she was looking at something else altogether.

As a result, she stared fixedly at what she thought was an airplane, but did not look at the road.   The most experienced pilot aboard the helicopter was Gary O'Hara, an instructor pilot. 

The name of the second American who was in the helicopter is Andrew Eves, a native of Mississippi.He was a warrant officer (equivalent to an ensign). Ives' death was confirmed by his wife.  Chief of Staff of the Army Aviation Jonathan Koziol gave official comments about the plane crash over the Potomac. He called the helicopter crew "experienced": they had already flown at night along the route that they repeated on the fateful evening.

And here - attention - the Chief of Staff said: During a training flight over the Potomac, the instructor pilot (that is, Gary O'Hara) evaluated the actions of the co-pilot, who had 500 flight hours.

And then came the news from Fox News channel: this very co-pilot was a woman. Therefore, she was the one driving the rotorcraft.

Now he is the only pilot involved in the disaster, whose identity remains a secret. Who is this kamikaze woman who "disabled" two pilots and sent a helicopter to ram a passenger liner?

Exclusive Footage Reveals Egg-Shaped UFO Carried by Helicopter

In a stunning revelation, exclusive footage has emerged of a helicopter carrying an egg-shaped UFO, discovered by U.S. Air Force veteran Jake Barber. The incident, which occurred in an undisclosed location, has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the origins of the mysterious object.

Barber, a seasoned helicopter pilot, was working on a secret program tasked with searching for and retrieving downed UFOs. During one of his missions, he encountered a 20-foot (6-meter) egg-shaped aircraft with no visible signs of movement or propulsion. The object's unusual design and lack of conventional engine components immediately raised questions about its origins.

According to Barber, the Pentagon's Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) task force has confirmed that the object is of non-human origin. This shocking statement is corroborated by videos and testimony from three other U.S. Air Force veterans who were involved in the program.

The New York Post reports that Barber was hired by the military to fly to the sites of downed UFOs. During his missions, he encountered various aircraft, some of which were top-secret military projects with explainable origins. However, others, like the egg-shaped object, defied conventional explanation and were deemed to be of "alien" origin.

In one particularly striking incident, Barber, equipped with night vision goggles, observed the egg-shaped aircraft from a distance of just 30 meters. The object appeared to have no engine or visible means of propulsion, adding to the mystery surrounding its origins.

Barber's account is further supported by senior military officials who confirmed to him that the object represented "inhuman" technology. This revelation is detailed in a report where Barber's statements are backed by the testimony of three other veterans, lending credibility to his extraordinary claims.

The discovery of this egg-shaped UFO raises numerous questions about the nature of unidentified aerial phenomena and the potential existence of extraterrestrial technology. As investigations continue, the scientific and military communities are likely to delve deeper into the origins and implications of this enigmatic object.

In conclusion, the exclusive footage and testimony provided by Jake Barber and his colleagues offer a tantalizing glimpse into the world of UFOs and the possibility of non-human technology. The ongoing investigations and confirmations from military officials underscore the need for further exploration and understanding of these mysterious phenomena.