Airbus unveils expanded drone portfolio at ILA Berlin

Airbus Defence and Space is showcasing one of Europe’s broadest uncrewed aircraft portfolios at ILA Berlin 2026, highlighting new autonomous helicopters, collaborative combat drones, tactical UAS, and long-endurance surveillance platforms.

Key announcements

U145 autonomous helicopter

Airbus has unveiled the U145, an uncrewed, AI-enabled autonomous version of its H145 helicopter presented at ILA Berlin 2026. Designed for cargo transport and multi-mission use in civil and military roles, it removes the cockpit, adds automated systems, and expands modular payload capabilities. First flight with a safety pilot is planned for late 2026, with entry into service expected in the early 2030s.

U760 Ravenstorm combat drone

A large uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (UCCA) designed for air-to-air combat, precision strikes, and electronic warfare, with availability planned for the early 2030s.

U740 Valkyrie

Developed with Kratos, the Valkyrie is intended to provide Germany with an operational sovereign UCCA by 2029 and to work alongside Eurofighter aircraft.

Light tactical drones

The portfolio includes the Aliaca for reconnaissance, the Flexrotor for long-endurance missions, and the Capa-X for flexible payload operations.

U680 Bird of Prey interceptor

An anti-drone system designed to defeat multiple one-way attack drones in a single mission. It completed its first demonstration flight in March 2026 and is undergoing further testing this year.

MARS mission system

Airbus’ AI-enabled, sovereign mission architecture powers the Ravenstorm, Valkyrie, and Bird of Prey and is planned for future integration on the Eurodrone.

Eurodrone programme

Europe’s MALE surveillance drone continues toward a planned first flight in 2029 and is intended to provide strategic intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, early warning, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Strategic message

Airbus says the portfolio is designed to cover the full spectrum of uncrewed military aviation, from tactical reconnaissance drones to autonomous combat aircraft and strategic surveillance platforms, with open architectures compatible with European and international defence systems.