Airbus has revealed its armed configuration for the autonomous helicopter drone U145, a system capable of carrying and launching both loitering attack drones and anti‑drone interceptor drones. The U145 is based on the H145 helicopter, with a maximum take‑off weight of 3.8 tonnes and a payload capacity of over 1.2 tonnes, giving it a range of roughly 740–925 km. Its first flight is scheduled for late 2026.
A key feature is the "drone carrier" version, which can hold up to 18 ALE loitering munitions co‑developed by Airbus and MBDA and launch them through side‑door launchers in the cabin. The ALE family is designed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy, target acquisition and strike missions, allowing the U145 to deploy large numbers of expendable drones from a safe distance.
The U145 is also equipped with four STRILA‑2 interceptor drones from Quantum Systems, mounted on the airframe to engage hostile drones before they approach the helicopter or its loitering munitions.