Airbus To Reveal Uncrewed U145 At ILA Berlin Airshow

Airbus Helicopters will unveil the U145, an autonomous uncrewed version of its H145 light twin-engine helicopter, at the ILA Berlin Airshow. Developed specifically for the European market, the U145 is separate from Airbus’ U.S.-based MQ-72C Lakota Connector program for the U.S. Marine Corps. The U145 combines the proven H145 platform with autonomous flight technology derived from Airbus’ VSR700 unmanned helicopter program. Designed without a cockpit, the aircraft features a cargo-focused cabin and is intended for missions such as logistics transport, firefighting, aerial reconnaissance, and serving as a carrier for air-launched effects in cooperation with MBDA. Airbus plans to accelerate development, with a first flight involving a safety pilot scheduled for late 2026 and entry into service targeted for the early 2030s. The project reflects Europe’s growing emphasis on sovereign defense capabilities and reduced reliance on U.S. technologies. By leveraging the widespread use of the crewed H145M among military operators, Airbus aims to offer a familiar, versatile, and cost-effective unmanned solution for future defense and civil missions.