Vertical thinking: designing a strategy to navigate the new normal

Helicopters are the backbone of disaster relief and military missions. In an increasingly blurry global security context, their role remains vital for decades to come.

Defence and security operators are responding to diversifying and intensifying threats, explains Mathilde Royer, Executive Vice President Strategy and Sustainability at Airbus Helicopters. “Climate-related natural disasters have been on the rise for years, and now many countries are enhancing their preparations for conflict. Combat tactics and strategies are also changing, with increasing use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), and we expect to see an increase in hybrid warfare operations in the future.” 

Royer insists on the importance of rotorcraft in this context. “When responding to critical situations, dual-use helicopters can offer a tactical advantage in military operations, rescue people from catastrophes and restore vital infrastructure.” With specialised military aircraft, such as the NH90 and Tiger, as well as militarised versions of its civil range, Royer believes that Airbus Helicopters provides ideal solutions. “In this changing world, we must move beyond the silo of aircraft-only platforms toward integrated, multi-domain ecosystems. The H160M offers new possibilities to military operators, while the flexibility and adaptability of the modular H145M means that it is tailored for multi-mission requirements, for which there will be a strong demand, as the deployment of hybrid warfare tactics proliferates and evolves. The HForce system and Airbus’ modularity allow the H145M and H225M to pivot rapidly between light attack, firefighting, and tactical transport — as recently demonstrated by Hungary’s rapid deployment to Albania,” says Royer.

A revolutionary approach

Integrating drones will be vital in future conflicts. “Airbus Helicopters offers a range of tactical UAS for high-risk intelligence and multi-role operations,” says Royer. She highlights assets such as the Flexrotor, Capa-X and VSR700 that are able to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions at first but which will ultimately be multi-role. Cargo is also a likely mission, but teaming will be a game-changer. “Collaborative teaming with UAS will enhance helicopter survivability and lethality in contested battlefields,” says Royer. Airbus Helicopters’ HTeaming solution will facilitate stand-off attacks, with UAS performing stand-off ISR missions and target acquisition in the future. “The integration of air-launched effects [drones or effectors launched from helicopters], will deliver the capacity to strike at very long range. Helicopters will evolve into multi-role airborne hubs for drone-swarm command,” emphasises Royer. 

Airbus’ long-term strategy revolves around spearheading next-generation rotorcraft (NGRC) to ensure European strategic autonomy. “Rather than relying on non-European platforms or transatlantic partnerships, we are proactively leading the effort to shape a truly sovereign solution,” she says. “Through our leadership in the European-funded ENGRT project, we are maturing the critical technologies - such as modular open systems and advanced connectivity - necessary for future military rotorcraft. Airbus is uniquely positioned to offer NATO nations the most competitive solution that is conceived, built and sustained within Europe. We are not just building a platform; we are ensuring the future of European defence industrial independence, while making sure that all critical missions can be successfully accomplished.” As Royer concludes: “In an era of unpredictability, the helicopter remains a dependable tool of flexibility.” By supplying the necessary versatility to respond to these challenges, Airbus is ensuring that while the battlefield may change, the relevance of the vertical lift asset remains absolute.

Mathilde Royer, Executive Vice President Strategy and Sustainability at Airbus Helicopters