Defence Helicopter

Read the latest military helicopter news from our team of expert journalists and analysts, giving you the 'so what' behind the latest military rotorcraft headlines.

Air Warfare

Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight

The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.

Land Warfare

US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers

The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.

Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: Poland orders Apache targeting systems and will establish local support facility

In 2024, Poland agreed to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache combat helicopters in a deal worth as much as US$12 billion. The deal included 97 AN/ASQ-170 modernised target acquisition and designation sight/AN/AAR-11 modernised pilot night vision sensors (M-TADS/PNVS).

Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry

As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.

More Stories

Air Warfare

Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution

12th June 2025

The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
Air Warfare

Poland reassesses equipment priorities as S-70i Black Hawk acquisition stopped

9th June 2025

The country first entered negotiations for the procurement of Black Hawk helicopters in 2023. Now, the reassessment marks a shift in the country’s military equipment and strategic needs in light of the Ukraine conflict.
Air Warfare

UVision declares a “first” with helicopter-launched loitering munition to be displayed at Paris Air Show

6th June 2025

UVision’s HERO loitering munition family is widely used. As an air-launched loitering munition, however, it is a new concept which could meet a specific declared need of the US Marine Corps.
Air Warfare

RTX Raytheon to surge production of AIM-9X Block II missiles by nearly 80% in three years

5th June 2025

Currently manufacturing 1,400 AIM-9X Block II missiles annually, Raytheon plans to reach the mark of 2,500 per year by September 2028.
Air Warfare

US Army progresses with the Flight School Next project

4th June 2025

A special procurement notice for the Flight School Next was issued this week as potential suppliers step up their efforts.
Air Warfare

Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement

19th May 2025

Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
Air Warfare

Bell’s FLRAA receives MV-75 designation from US Army, first operational division revealed

15th May 2025

The US Army also added that it would push to get the long-range assault aircraft online “years ahead” of its original 2030 timeline.
Defence Notes

What capabilities could the US supply to Saudi Arabia under the $142 billion deal?

14th May 2025

Multiple questions involving the largest US Foreign Military Sale in history remain unanswered.
Air Warfare

US approves $1.45 billion sale to UAE for CH-47 Chinooks and F-16 sustainment

13th May 2025

Both the possible sale for six Chinook helicopters and F-16 sustainment will bolster existing UAE fleets and the country’s position as a US partner and ally, according to the DSCA.
Air Warfare

US services test Raytheon ASTARTE AI-enabled software system

6th May 2025

The solution was evaluated by the US Army and Air Force during the Project Convergence Capstone 5.
Defence Notes

Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?

5th May 2025

Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
Land Warfare

Hegseth issues rallying cry for army transformation

1st May 2025

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has outlined an ambitious plan to reform, reshape and redirect the US Army in an overhaul which would see a reduction in formations and less manned attack helicopters.
Air Warfare

Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter

30th April 2025

The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
Defence Notes

Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan

24th April 2025

The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
Air Warfare

Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme

24th April 2025

Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
Air Warfare

Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II

14th April 2025

The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
Air Warfare

Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks

31st March 2025

The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
Air Warfare

Avalon 2025: Australia set to receive Apaches as Tiger retirement begins

25th March 2025

After giving European Tiger attack helicopters and NH90 large utility helicopters a chance to meet Australian needs, which encountered problems, the country has turned back to the US for Apaches and Black Hawks, respectively.
Air Warfare

US Air Force needs to “rebuild to win”, says deputy chief of staff of operations

21st March 2025

Aging aircraft, fewer platforms and a lack of replacements for retired systems has impacted the US Air Force’s lethality and training capabilities, according to the force’s deputy chief of staff for operations.