US Navy greenlights $590 million deal for five more CMV-22B Osprey aircraft

The US Navy has authorised the production of five additional CMV-22B Osprey aircraft through a $590 million contract amendment awarded to the Bell Boeing Joint Program Office in Amarillo, Texas. 

This decision, announced by the Department of Defense, expands a 2017 agreement to include the manufacturing and delivery of tiltrotor aircraft designed for carrier onboard delivery missions, according to Bulgarian media.

The contract modification includes an immediate allocation of $132.1 million from the Navy’s fiscal 2024 budget, emphasizing the service's commitment to strengthening its logistics fleet. However, the Pentagon has not clarified whether this order is part of a pre-existing option or a new addition to the original contract.

The work on these CMV-22B aircraft, which combine helicopter versatility with airplane speed, is expected to be completed by January 2028. This aligns with the Navy's broader goal to modernize its support operations. The modification adjusts a fixed-price incentive contract, offering flexibility in final costs as details are finalized.

The CMV-22B, a naval variant of the V-22 Osprey, replaces the aging C-2A Greyhound, offering enhanced capabilities for transporting personnel, mail, and cargo between shore bases and aircraft carriers. With a range of 1,150 nautical miles and the ability to carry up to 6,000 pounds of cargo or 24 passengers, the aircraft significantly outpaces the Greyhound in both capacity and distance.

The Pentagon's announcement specifies that the funds will cover production at Bell Boeing’s facilities in Texas and Pennsylvania. While the exact breakdown of the $590 million investment across these locations was not disclosed, the Navy’s decision highlights continued reliance on the Osprey platform, despite its controversial history.

Military analysts view the order as a strategic move to ensure the Navy maintains a flexible and well-supplied carrier fleet. However, the aircraft’s cost, estimated at over $96 million per unit, may draw scrutiny as budget discussions intensify in Washington. 

Since its introduction in 2007, the Osprey has faced criticism due to safety concerns, including several fatal crashes, and maintenance challenges. Despite these issues, the Navy has defended the CMV-22B, highlighting improvements based on lessons learned from earlier versions.

This new order further solidifies the Navy’s reliance on the Osprey platform, which will play an increasingly vital role in carrier operations.

By Naila Huseynova