Airbus Helicopters has revealed two next-generation rotorcraft designs developed for NATO’s future military fleet. The concepts, shown ahead of a major London defense conference, include a conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound rotorcraft.
The proposals respond to NATO’s need for a medium multi-role helicopter that can operate in contested environments while reducing costs and improving availability. Current NATO helicopters are approaching retirement, with replacements needed by 2035-2040.
Airbus Helicopters developed the concepts with Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and missile maker MBDA. The two designs will share maintenance systems, training programs, weapons, and onboard electronics to simplify operations for military partners.
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Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said the designs give Europe a platform that fits military needs for affordability and operational efficiency. “These two concepts are a basis to further exchange with our military partners on their vision and need for future military operations,” he explained .
Military forces face a gap between current helicopters and future threats. Existing fleets lack the speed to respond quickly and the flexibility to operate with drones and networked systems. The new designs aim to solve both problems.
The high-speed concept builds on Airbus experience with the X3 and Racer demonstrators. This compound design adds wings and propellers to a traditional rotor system, allowing faster cruise speeds, rapid acceleration, and quick climb and descent. Military pilots have already evaluated the Racer’s performance under the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies program . The Racer demonstrator can cruise at 400 km/h, 50% faster than conventional helicopters .
Both concepts use a Modular Open System Architecture, making them simpler to manufacture, maintain, and upgrade over decades of service. They will also support crewed-uncrewed teaming, allowing piloted aircraft to control drone companions during missions .
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The designs remain in the concept phase following a July 2024 contract from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. The current study runs through 2025, with concept design activities planned for 2026-2027 and a preferred solution expected by late 2027 .
This dual-concept approach gives NATO members flexibility in how they build future rotorcraft fleets. Countries can choose the conventional design for proven reliability or the high-speed version for rapid response missions, while keeping training and maintenance common across both.
