Airbus Helicopters unveils next-generation rotorcraft concepts for NATO studies

An artist's impression of the two rotorcraft concepts that Airbus Helicopters is proposing for the concept design activities phase of NGRC. (Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters has revealed two concepts it is advancing for the NATO Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme, as it transitions from the initial concept studies phase to the concept design activities phase.

Revealed on 23 February ahead of the IQPC International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2026 conference in London, the designs to now undergo detailed study requirements comprise a high-performance conventional helicopter and a novel high-speed compound concept.

“We want to ensure that Europe is in a position to propose a platform that will best fit our military partners' needs in terms of affordability, operational efficiency, and maximum availability for both the conventional helicopter and for the high-speed rotorcraft. These two concepts are a basis to further exchange with our military partners on their vision and need for future military operations,” CEO of Airbus Helicopters Bruno Even said.

Airbus Helicopters noted that its latest proposals to NATO have been developed in collaboration with RTX businesses Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, and MBDA. “Modularity and simplicity are core tenets of the Airbus NGRC proposal. The design philosophy aims to deliver platforms that are simple to manufacture, maintain, and upgrade, ensuring long-term affordability, thanks to its modular open systems architecture [MOSA] approach. The two concepts will be highly connected and will share commonalities in terms of maintenance, training, weapons, and systems,” it added.

NGRC effort