WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Thad Cochran, R-Miss., and Congressman Trent Kelly, R-Miss, today applauded the award of a $273.2 million U.S. Army contract to produce 35 UH-72A helicopters for the U.S. Army.

The firm-fixed-price procurement contract was awarded to Airbus Helicopters, Inc., with all work on the helicopters to be produced in Columbus.  The Army is initially dedicating $136.6 million in FY2017 and FY2018 aircraft procurement appropriations toward the contract.

Wicker, Cochran, and Kelly, all of whom serve on defense committees, worked to authorize and provide funding to procure additional UH-72 Lakota Light Utility Helicopters for the Army.

“This announcement is great news for national security and for our skilled manufacturers in Columbus,” Wicker said.  “An Army contract for 35 new helicopters will ensure our workers can continue to build on their record of on-time, on-cost deliveries.  I’m proud to have worked with members of our Mississippi delegation to help expedite the Army’s procurement of these world-class machines for our soldiers.”  Wicker is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I appreciate the Army moving forward with this contract.  The delivery of these UH-72A helicopters will help meet an unfunded priority need for the Army.  I am confident our excellent workforce in Mississippi will manufacture high-quality aircraft for the Army in a timely manner,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense.

“We have the greatest fighting forces in the world and they must have the tools they need to protect America,” said Kelly, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee.  “The UH-72A aircraft, manufactured by hardworking Mississippians at the Airbus Helicopters, Inc. facility in Columbus, will help to achieve that goal.”

The estimated contract completion date associated with this contract is March 9, 2021.

Senate and House negotiators are currently working to resolve difference in recommended funding for the Defense Department for FY2018. The House has approved $166.6 million for UH-72A Lakota helicopters, while the Senate Chairman’s mark recommended $198.3 million.  Negotiations are expected to be completed in the next two weeks.