Airbus Helicopters unveiled the U145, a fully autonomous unmanned variant of the H145 helicopter, at the ILA Berlin Aviation Fair. The company displayed a full-scale mockup of the new model at the fair's opening, emphasizing that this platform completes its helicopter and unmanned aerial systems portfolio. The U145 is scheduled to conduct its first flight with a safety pilot in late 2026 and enter formal service in the early 2030s.

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, stated that the U145 combines the proven airframe structure, engine power, and payload capacity of the H145 with a fully autonomous system. The U145 features a cockpit-free design specifically adapted for logistics operations. The helicopter incorporates an integrated nose door with a foldable loading platform and a specialized cargo floor. With a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kilograms, the platform will serve a broad range of applications, with high-volume cargo resupply being a primary mission.

Airbus possesses considerable experience in developing unmanned helicopters. Following the VSR700, derived from the Cabri G2 model, the company is converting a second manned helicopter into an unmanned version with the U145. The VSR700 was designed for civil and military missions and has been tested in various operational environments. This prior success provides a solid foundation for U145 development. Equipped with specialized sensor packages and artificial intelligence for full autonomy, the U145 will be capable of performing diverse missions including disaster management, firefighting, armed reconnaissance, surveillance, and manned-unmanned teaming operations.

Within the Turkish defense industry ecosystem, unmanned aerial systems and autonomous platforms are assuming increasingly important roles. Baykar's successful UAV platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and TB3 have strengthened Turkey's position in the global market. Autonomous helicopter systems like the U145 introduce new capabilities in logistics, reconnaissance, and surveillance domains. These European developments establish global defense industry standards and influence other nations' technology investments. The rising demand for unmanned platforms among NATO member states underscores the strategic importance of such systems.

Airbus announced it will collaborate with leading autonomous mission partners in Europe during U145 development. Additionally, through a partnership with European missile manufacturer MBDA, the company aims to equip the helicopter with a "drone mothership" function for air-launched effects. In the United States, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, in collaboration with Shield AI, L3Harris, and Parry Lab, is offering the MQ-72C solution to the U.S. Marine Corps. This represents a fully autonomous variant of the UH-72B Lakota. Globally, more than 1,800 H145 family helicopters are in operational service, with the fleet accumulating a total of 8.5 million flight hours. The H145 is powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines, equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control systems, and is recognized as the quietest helicopter in its class due to its low acoustic signature.