The U.S. Navy declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 (Inc 3 Blk 2) system. This significant milestone was achieved after the initial phase of Initial Operational Test performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) with support from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program Office (PMA-290).
A distinguished panel of experts spoke about current Navy acquisition challenges, readiness, future force development, operational strength, speed to fleet and workforce excellence at the NAVAIR booth on opening day of the Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, hosted by the Navy League.
The CH-53K King Stallion helicopter, under the direction of H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), achieved a major milestone by successfully lifting another CH-53K King Stallion. The test, performed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 (HX-21), is part of the CH-53K aircraft recovery rigging evaluation and a critical step toward developing new operational capabilities and procedures for the CH-53K fleet.
Each year the Department of War (DOW) recognizes exceptional acquisition professionals from the prior year. During the 2025 acquisition year, three Program Executive Office, Air, Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) teams and individuals were winners during the Feb. 18 ceremony held at the Pentagon.
In June 2025, the Presidential Helicopters Program Office (PMA-274) delivered and installed a retired and refurbished VH-3D helicopter, bureau number 159351 (BUNO 351), to the United States Secret Service (USSS). The agency received the aircraft at the James J. Rowley Training Center (JJRTC) in South Laurel, Maryland, fulfilling its need for a new training aircraft to continue effectively training its agents.
A five-year, multi-year procurement (MYP) contract was signed on January 8 between the Department of War (DOW) and GE Aerospace for both new production and spare T-408 engines, along with associated sustainment services for the CH-53K King Stallion helicopter. The $1.4 billion contract covers five years, Lots 9-13, providing more than $174 million in savings over the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP).
The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program office (PMA-290) achieved an airborne connectivity landmark when the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Block 2 (I3B2) aircraft successfully connected to the Minotaur Family of Systems (MFoS) Labyrinth hub. This pivotal connection occurred during a combined development test / operational test event this December at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).
The Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft Program (PMA-290) and the P-8A program team planned and executed several Aircraft on Ground (AOG) events in recent months. The successful AOG events were completed outside of the continental U.S. (OCONUS) with cooperative partnerships between the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the contractual relationship between RAAF Surveillance and Response System Program Office (SRSPO) with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA).
October 27, 2015 the CH-53K King Stallion took to the skies for its first flight. Today, more than 10 years later, there are 20 CH-53Ks executing missions with four different Navy and Marine Corps squadrons.
A five-year, multi-year procurement (MYP) contract was signed Sept. 26 between the Department of Defense (DOD) and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, for a maximum of 99 CH-53K King Stallion heavy lift helicopters. The contract, which at maximum quantity is valued at approximately $10.9 billion, will provide $1.5 billion in savings from 2025-2029.
The CH-53K program is critical to the Marine Corps’ strategic plan. It is replacing the CH-53E Super Stallion as the only marinized heavy-lift rotary-wing aircraft in the U.S. defense inventory.
