Bell Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT), has received an estimated $300 million contract from the Department of the Navy to perform structural and power upgrades on up to 49 U.S. Marine Corps helicopters.

The contract, structured as a base period plus three option years with firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive, and cost-plus-fixed-fee components, covers the Structural and Power Improvements for NextGen Effects (SPINE) program, designated as "Phase 3.0." The work will cover 21 UH-1Y Venom and 28 AH-1Z Viper aircraft.

Work is scheduled to begin at Bell's Amarillo Assembly Center in mid-2027, with first deliveries of upgraded aircraft expected in 2028.

The SPINE program is designed to increase electrical power capacity and improve integration of next-generation technology on the H-1 fleet. Upgrades include advanced defensive systems, a digital data bus, Link 16 connectivity, and compatibility with net-enabled weapon systems.

In fall 2025, Bell completed the first SPINE upgrades on one UH-1Y and one AH-1Z, which were sent to Naval Air Station Patuxent River for flight testing.

"The SPINE program will provide a significant increase to overall H-1 electrical capability to optimize advanced battlefield technology and ensure the H-1 fleet will continue to be relevant into the 2040s," said Col. Jason Duke, Program Manager, PMA-276.