Helicopters of the future for NATO

Different platforms, but synchronized

The French company presented concepts of 2 machines developed according to the requirements of the NGRC programme. The first was referred to as a conventional high-performance helicopter, the second being innovative whirlplanes capable of speeding up and achieving higher cruising velocity than typical specified machines. Both concepts are based on modular Open strategy Architecture (MOSA), which aims to facilitate the production, operation and future modernization of fresh generation helicopters. MOSA means that different platforms may have the same weapon parts and on-board systems, require the same maintenance and training. This will positively affect interoperability and reduce life-cycle costs.

Bruno Even, president of Airbus Helicopters, emphasises that the company's goal is to make a fresh generation chopper that can be utilized by all NATO countries. – This is simply a platform that best meets the needs of our military partners in terms of affordability, operational efficiency and maximum availability for both conventional helicopters and advanced velocity pilots – announced Even. At the same time, he stressed that the NGRC programme was being developed in parallel with the work on the machines presently being manufactured. This means, among another things, continuing the long-term improvement plan of the NH90 chopper and further production of H145M, H160M and H225M, which, according to Even, designate new standards for military helicopters, inter alia in terms of affordability and maintenance.

– On the another hand, we are working on a fresh generation of helicopters, utilizing modular technologies in the fields of communication, cybersecurity, cooperation of manned and unmanned platforms, multi-domain combat or repair of combat damage," added Airbus Helicopters. In the improvement of the NGRC concepts, the company utilized experience gained, among others, with the X3 task and the Racer demonstration, which may achieve
a cruising velocity exceeding 400 km/h. This is about 100–150 km/h more than military helicopters presently utilized achieve.

Not just Airbus

The intent of the NGRC programme conducted by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is to set common requirements for a medium-sized virolat which will replace the current platforms utilized by the Alliance's troops in the future. In July 2024, NSPA signed 3 contracts to carry out NGRC work for companies from France, Italy, Germany, Canada, large Britain, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Greece, but it shortly withdrew from the program. The consortium led by Airbus Helicopters (co-operation with RTX corp and MBDA) competes with the 2 global consortiums led by Leonardo and Lockheed Martin. The best proposal is to be selected by the end of 2027.

In 2025, Airbus delivered 392 helicopters to customers, while accepting 544 orders for various types and destinations (including H145, H125, NH90, Super Puma) from 205 customers from 50 countries. H145M, which was presented last year at the global Defence manufacture Salon, is the most popular. Company proposed its product to the Ministry of Defence as part of a programme for the acquisition of training and combat helicopters. – Airbus Helicopters together with Babcock and CAE do not offer Poland only H145 sales. We propose the full system, which consists of the transportation of equipment, but besides training, assistance in the construction of a training centre based on competences, which Poland already has – said Ludovic Boosty, head of sales in east Europe and CIS in Airbus Helicopters.