Airbus Unveils Armed U145 Autonomous Helicopter UAS Capable of Carrying 18 Loitering Munitions and Counter-UAS Interceptors
Airbus has revealed an armed configuration of its U145 autonomous helicopter unmanned aircraft system, based on the H145 platform. With a maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kg and over 1,200 kg of payload capacity, the armed variant can carry up to 18 ALE loitering munitions jointly developed by Airbus and MBDA, plus four STRILA-2 interceptor drones from Quantum Systems. First flight is planned for late 2026.
Highlights
- Airbus unveiled the armed configuration of the U145 autonomous helicopter UAS, based on the H145 platform with a 3,800 kg maximum take-off weight and over 1,200 kg payload capacity.
- The U145 armed variant can carry up to 18 ALE loitering munitions jointly developed by Airbus and MBDA, stored in containerized launchers and deployed through the side door.
- Four STRILA-2 counter-UAS interceptor drones developed by Austria's Quantum Systems are externally mounted on the U145 to neutralize incoming enemy drone threats.
- ALE loitering munitions are modular and support multiple mission types including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, target acquisition, and precision strike.
- The U145's first flight is scheduled for late 2026, with a projected range of 400 to 500 nautical miles (740 to 925 km).
Airbus has officially revealed the armed configuration of its U145 Helicopter Unmanned Aircraft System (H-UAS). The platform is capable of both deploying kamikaze-style loitering munitions and intercepting enemy drones, demonstrating a highly integrated air combat potential.
U145 Key Specifications
The U145 is developed on the proven H145 helicopter platform. It is reported to have a maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kg and can carry more than 1,200 kg of mission payload. According to Airbus, the aircraft has a projected range of approximately 400 to 500 nautical miles (740 to 925 km), with a first flight scheduled for late 2026.
Drone Carrier Configuration: Up to 18 ALE Loitering Munitions
One of the most notable concepts unveiled is a drone carrier configuration equipped with up to 18 ALE (Air-Launched Effects) loitering munitions. These munitions are jointly developed by Airbus and MBDA, stored in containerized launchers within the cargo hold, and deployed through the helicopter's side door.
According to Airbus and MBDA, the ALE series is designed as a modular air-launched effects vehicle capable of performing a wide range of missions, including:
- Reconnaissance and surveillance
- Electronic warfare
- Decoy and deception
- Target acquisition
- Precision strike
This concept enables the U145 to release large numbers of expendable drones from a relatively safe standoff distance, significantly reducing risk to the carrier platform itself.
STRILA-2 Interceptor Drones: Countering Enemy UAS Threats
Beyond offensive capabilities, the U145 is also equipped with four STRILA-2 interceptor drones developed by Austrian company Quantum Systems. These interceptors are externally mounted on the airframe, tasked with neutralizing enemy drones before they can threaten the U145 itself or the loitering munitions it carries.
Industry Perspective
The unveiling of the U145 armed configuration marks a significant step for Airbus into higher-level military integration within the autonomous unmanned systems domain. By combining loitering munition deployment and active self-defense capabilities on a single platform, this architecture reflects the rapidly growing demand on modern asymmetric battlefields for both drone swarm operations and counter-UAS capabilities.
Sources: Craig Hoyle / FlightGlobal, Airbus Helicopters
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