As a former special operations rotary-wing pilot, I remember well the day they put the aircraft I flew on a stick outside a museum.

Now I really feel old as the U.S. Army is looking at halting production of crewed rotary-wing aircraft.

The Department of War is evaluating a reform concept that would sharply reduce or halt the purchase of new piloted helicopters for the U.S. Army beginning in the second half of the decade, according to individuals familiar with internal discussions.

The concept under review focuses on maintaining and upgrading the current helicopter fleet while transitioning funding and force structure toward uncrewed strike, reconnaissance, and logistics platforms.

According to the individuals, the proposal centers on ending new helicopter acquisition as early as late 2026. Instead of investing in new production lines of piloted aircraft, the Army would consolidate spending on sustaining existing UH-60, AH-64 and CH-47 fleets while expanding programs that convert or supplement aviation units with uncrewed aerial systems. The concept is being presented as a way to reduce long-term personnel requirements, lower training and sustainment costs, and limit the exposure of aircrews during high-intensity operations.

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