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Burleson helicopter company awarded $166M in defense contracts

Fort Worth Report· June 21, 2026

Air Center Helicopters Inc., a Burleson-based aviation support services firm, has secured two defense contracts totaling approximately $166 million from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. These fixed-price agreements task the small business with providing vertical replenishment services to support naval operations. This significant award underscores the critical role of specialized private aviation contractors in maintaining military logistics and supply chains at sea.

Air Center Helicopters Inc. (ACHI), headquartered in downtown Burleson, Texas, was awarded two separate defense contracts in early June 2026, each valued at approximately $83 million. The contracts were issued by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, which is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. These fixed-price agreements are designated for vertical replenishment services, a critical logistical operation that involves the delivery of cargo and supplies to military vessels at sea.

The company utilizes specialized aircraft, including the H225LP model, to execute these maritime delivery missions. By securing these awards on June 2 and June 3, ACHI reinforces its position as a significant small business contributor to the defense industrial base. The contracts highlight the Navy's continued reliance on private aviation support services to maintain the operational readiness of its fleet through efficient ship-to-ship and shore-to-ship transfers.

For the defense contracting market, this $166 million investment reflects the ongoing demand for specialized vertical lift capabilities provided by agile, mid-sized firms. The use of fixed-price contracts indicates a stable requirement for these services and places the onus of operational efficiency on the contractor. This development further establishes the Burleson area as a key location for specialized aviation firms capable of meeting rigorous Department of Defense requirements.

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