Black Hawk on the threshold of a new era: The US Army tests helicopters capable of draining drones
USA, September 18, 2025 – The US Army triggers the modernization of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to turn the legendary platform to make a network connected combat node capable of draining drones. The program builds on a digital spine, modular architecture of Mosa and integrate the concept of Launched Effects. The aim is for the Black Hawk to stand up to the rapidly changing environment of modern war in the next decades.
The UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter has been the US Army for decades. Its construction has proven itself in countless conflicts, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe. Yet it is clear that the environment of the modern battlefield changes faster than before. Classic helicopters, equipped only with traditional avionics and weapons, could lose relevance in the coming years. That is why the US is launching a program to make the Black Haws full nodes of digital networks – machines capable of not only transporting soldiers and materials, but also to actively cooperate with drones. Sikorsky, belonging to Lockheed Martin, received the first contract worth $ 43 million. It is a relatively low amount – because it is not a general reconstruction of hundreds of helicopters, but about development work and prototypes. If the program proves itself, it will be followed by billions of contracts.
The biggest technological novelty is the introduction of the so -called digital spine. Today, a large part of the systems in military aircraft are connected only partially – they communicate through various protocols and often require special modifications. On the other hand, the new architecture is to unify all sensors, computers and weapon systems into a single data network. Virtually this means installing new cabling, network switches, standardized connectors and powerful on -board computers. These units are to be designed modularly to be easy to replace. Black Hawk will thus acquire an infrastructure that resembles a modern data center rather than a traditional helicopter. For example, a picture from a drone camera released from a helicopter will immediately appear to the pilot in the cockpit and at the same time transfer it to the tactical operating center. In real time, several levels of command and decision -making will be connected.
The whole program is based on the philosophy of Mosa (Modular Open Systems Approach). It is a concept that gradually penetrates all areas of the arms industry. Its essence is to divide large systems into smaller, clearly defined modules.
The benefits are obvious:
• The army is not fully dependent on a single manufacturer,
• An outdated module can be replaced within a few days, not months,
• New civilian sector technologies (eg optical sensors, AI software) can be quickly integrated,
• Maintenance and modernization become cheaper and more flexible.
This approach is necessary for helicopters that remain in armament for 30 years. It allows continuous replenishment of abilities without the need for complete overhaul.
Modernization is not only about electronics. The program also includes dragon amplification, a new fuel system and a more powerful engine. The aim is to increase the load capacity, extend the range and improve the machine’s resistance. In the future, the introduction of elements of autonomy and artificial intelligence is considered. These could take over part of the pilots activities in demanding situations – for example, in flight in conditions of strong interference or in complicated terrain. In addition, autonomous functions would facilitate coordination with discharged drones.
The key element of the entire transformation is the ability to drain unmanned resources directly from the helicopter. This concept known as Launched Effects (LE) is of fundamental strategic importance. LE includes different types of drones – from small reconnaissance products to larger machines with battle head. All share common drain containers, data connections and digital network. This allows them to use both helicopters and aircraft, ground vehicles or naval units.
Practical drone tasks within LE can be different:
• Survey and identification of objectives
• Electronic interference
• Direct destruction of the opponent
• action as misleading goals
Inspiration is the experience of Ukraine, where drones fundamentally influence the course of the fighting. However, the US Army wants to move this ability to move on – into a fully integrated environment where drones are not a complement, but a standard part of each mission.
Demonstration tests are already underway. These include Aevex Aerospace, Altius 600 from Anduril and Coyote Block 3 by Raytheon. These means have a range of at least 40 kilometers and are capable of a separate flight with the possibility to change the task during the mission. Another phase of development envisages longer reasons (100 to 200 kilometers), at a higher speed of over 120 knots and the ability to operate in swarms. The aim is for these drones to work in an environment with disturbed satellite navigation and communications. Interestingly, Sikorsky and Anduril have already tested the drain of the Altius drone from the modified Black Hawk. The smaller Altius-600 lasts up to four hours in the air and carries over three kilograms of useful cargo. The larger Altius-700 has a load capacity of 18 kilograms and is designed for striking versions.
Technological innovations are accompanied by strong political pressure. Defense Minister Pete HegSeth recently released the Unleashing U.S. Military drone dominance, which requires acceleration of production and introduction of drones into the equipment.
The document emphasizes several points:
• Support for domestic production in the spirit of “buy American”,
• shortening of bureaucratic processes,
• Deploying cheap drones directly in combat units,
• Incorporating drones into training to become a common part of scenarios by 2026.
The Directive responds to reality – US opponents produce hundreds of thousands of up to millions of cheap drones per year. If the US military does not speed up pace, it risks technological lag.
Modernization of Black Hawků is not only important for the US. UH-60 helicopters serve in many allies, including some European countries. If the American program succeeds, pressure on similar adjustments can be expected in these countries – especially if the effectiveness of the Launched Effects concept is proven in practice. In the long term, this can be a model to proceed in the modernization of a number of older platforms. Modularity and digital spine will allow new technologies to be integrated without the need to buy brand new machines.
The modernization of Black Hawků is more than just a technical improvement of a well -known platform. It is an attempt to transform a classic multipurpose helicopter into a highly flexible and net -connected combat node. If the program succeeds, the UH-60M will become an example of how older but proven technology can adapt to the 21st century requirements. The combination of digitization, modularity and integration of drones can make Black Hawk a machine that remains relevant for many years – and above all that can make full use of the potential of the new unmanned era.
Martin Scholz
