Lockheed Martin Corp, the number one contractor of the Pentagon, announced that it is developing a plan to make the upgrades of equipment that will be used by next-generation helicopters of the US Army more convenient and less expensive. The universal package covers electronics, weapons, and cockpit equipment. The supplier is currently gathering its resources to come up with the package for 4,000 choppers that will be put on field in 2034 by the US Army. It will also cover other helicopters in use by the rest of the US military, as well as in other countries.

The move came amid increased budget pressures that have encouraged the military to look for other ways of choosing helicopter equipment contracts-one that makes upgrades easier and less expensive. The traditional system involves the US military signing an agreement with the helicopter maker, who then subcontracts the equipment like weapons and systems with other firms. Because of the many ties in equipment and systems to one helicopter, future upgrades become costly if ordered in bulk.