Key Takeaways Airbus strengthens its military helicopter position with more than 480 Lakotas now in service.A $115.4 million U.S. Army contract covers up to 12 UH-72B helicopters and related support.Airbus’ Lakota fleet has surpassed 1.6 million flight hours across U.S. military operations.
Airbus SE (EADSY Quick QuoteEADSY – Free Report) is strengthening its position in the global military helicopter market through its Airbus Helicopters business. Rising defense spending, fleet modernization and demand for versatile rotorcraft are supporting growth in this market. The company’s UH-72 Lakota is an important platform for the U.S. military and supports missions such as training, search and rescue, reconnaissance, MEDEVAC, disaster response and homeland defense.
Derived from the Airbus H145 family, the UH-72 Lakota is a versatile helicopter that can be adapted for different missions and operating conditions. Airbus currently produces the UH-72A and UH-72B variants for U.S. military customers. More than 480 Lakota helicopters are in service, making it the U.S. Army’s third-largest rotorcraft fleet. The fleet has also surpassed 1.6 million flight hours across U.S. Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Navy operations.
Recent contract wins highlight continued demand for the Lakota. Airbus Helicopters Inc. received a $115.4 million U.S. Army contract for up to 12 UH-72B helicopters, related equipment and program management. The contract has a cumulative value of about $140.7 million, with work expected to continue through December 2030.
The Lakota’s established fleet, broad mission capabilities and strong operational record provide Airbus with good visibility into future demand. Continued U.S. defense spending and fleet modernization could further support the company’s military helicopter business.
Other Stocks to Keep on the Watchlist
Other aerospace and defense companies that are likely to benefit from the growing global demand for military helicopters are discussed below:
The Boeing Company (BA Quick QuoteBA – Free Report) : Boeing has a broad military rotorcraft portfolio serving U.S. and international defense customers. Its offerings include the H-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and V-22 Osprey, providing exposure to heavy-lift, attack, reconnaissance and multi-mission helicopter requirements.
Textron Inc. (TXT Quick QuoteTXT – Free Report) : Through its Bell business, Textron supplies military helicopters to the U.S. government and international customers. Its portfolio includes the AH-1Z and UH-1Y, along with other military and utility rotorcraft, giving the company exposure to continued defense modernization and helicopter fleet demand.
The Zacks Rundown for EADSY
Shares of EADSY have surged 15.6% in the past year compared with the industry’s 13.7% growth.
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The company’s shares are trading at a discount on a relative basis, with its forward 12-month Price/Earnings being 26.71X compared with its industry’s average of 42.05X.
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EADSY’s 2027 earnings has moved north over the past 60 days.
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EADSY stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
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