Airbus is demonstrating the breadth of its autonomous aviation capabilities at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) 2026 in Berlin, unveiling an extensive portfolio of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) designed to address the evolving requirements of modern defence operations. Leading the display are two major developments: the newly introduced U145, an autonomous version of the proven H145 helicopter, and the U760 Ravenstorm, a next-generation uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (UCCA) designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets in air combat, strike missions, and electronic warfare operations.
According to Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, the company’s portfolio now spans the full spectrum of autonomous military aviation, from tactical drones and drone interceptors to strategic intelligence platforms and advanced combat aircraft.
“Whatever uncrewed capability our customers need to strengthen sovereign air power, we deliver,” Schoellhorn said. “Airbus provides the entire envelope of uncrewed capabilities required for modern multi-domain warfare.”
U145 Expands Autonomous Helicopter Capabilities
One of the key attractions at the exhibition is the Airbus U145, an uncrewed adaptation of the H145 helicopter platform. Initially focused on high-volume cargo transport missions, the aircraft has been designed with a modular architecture that enables future roles including disaster response, firefighting, surveillance, armed reconnaissance, and airborne drone deployment operations.
The platform represents Airbus’ growing focus on autonomous rotary-wing solutions capable of supporting both civilian and military missions.
Ravenstorm and Valkyrie lead combat drone development
Airbus is also advancing its UCCA roadmap with the introduction of the U760 Ravenstorm and the U740 Valkyrie.
The Ravenstorm, displayed as a full-scale model, features a 10-metre wingspan and a length of 13 metres. The aircraft is being developed for multi-domain operations, including precision strike missions, air-to-air combat, and electronic warfare tasks such as suppression of enemy air defences. Airbus expects the platform to enter service in the early 2030s.
Alongside Ravenstorm, Airbus is showcasing the U740 Valkyrie, developed in partnership with Kratos. Equipped with Airbus’ proprietary Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) mission system, Valkyrie is intended to provide the German Air Force with an operational sovereign combat drone capability by 2029. The programme will also support manned-unmanned teaming operations with the Eurofighter.
Tactical drone family expands operational flexibility
Airbus is presenting a range of light tactical drones aimed at surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The U010 Aliaca can carry up to three kilograms of payload for six hours, supporting intelligence-gathering operations and tactical reconnaissance.
The U030 Flexrotor offers extended endurance, capable of remaining airborne for up to 14 hours while carrying payloads of up to eight kilograms.
For missions requiring greater payload flexibility, the U050 Capa-X can transport up to 20 kilograms of equipment and be adapted for a variety of operational environments and mission profiles.
Bird of prey targets emerging drone threats
Another notable system on display is the U680 Bird of Prey, an autonomous drone interceptor designed to counter mass attacks by one-way strike drones.
The platform completed its first demonstration flight in March 2026, less than a year after development began. Airbus says the system is intended to offer armed forces a cost-effective air defence solution capable of engaging multiple aerial threats during a single mission.
Further flight-testing campaigns are planned throughout 2026 as Airbus continues to mature the capability for operational deployment.
MARS mission system powers Airbus autonomy
At the core of several Airbus autonomous platforms is the MARS mission system, a sovereign software architecture featuring AI-assisted decision-making and scalable autonomy functions.
The system currently supports Ravenstorm, Valkyrie and Bird of Prey and is also expected to be integrated into the company’s future Eurodrone platform.
Eurodrone programme progresses toward first flight
Airbus also highlighted progress on the U950 Eurodrone, Europe’s first strategic Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system.
Designed to provide independent intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, the Eurodrone will also support early-warning and anti-submarine warfare missions. The programme remains on track for its planned first flight in 2029.
With its comprehensive UAS portfolio on display, Airbus is positioning itself as a leading European provider of autonomous defence aviation technologies, offering solutions that span tactical reconnaissance, cargo logistics, air defence and collaborative combat operations for future multi-domain battlefields.
