US Army cancels FARA and UH-60V in revamp of aviation acquisition, intends to purchase additional UH-60Ms and CH-47Fs

The Bell 360 Invictus prototype for the US Army’s FARA competition is substantially complete, pending first flight in late 2024. (Bell Flight)

The US Army cancelled the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) programme, the service announced on 8 February. The FARA contest was intended to provide the army with an armed scout helicopter, taking on a role left unfilled following the 2020 retirement of the Bell OH-58C.

“We are learning from the battlefield – especially in Ukraine – that aerial reconnaissance has fundamentally changed,” US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George said in a statement. “Sensors and weapons mounted on a variety of unmanned systems and in space are more ubiquitous, further reaching, and more inexpensive than ever before.”

“I am confident the army can deliver for the joint force, both in the priority theatre and around the globe, by accelerating innovation, procurement, and fielding of modern unmanned aircraft systems, including the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS), launched eEffects, and commercial small unmanned aircraft systems,” Gen George added.