By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink
The International Military Helicopter (IMH) 2025 Conference in London brought together the brightest minds in military aviation – defense leaders, industry experts, and innovators working to define the next era of rotorcraft operations. Under the guidance of Major General (Retd) James Illingworth OBE, the event delivered invaluable discussions on emerging technologies, modernization efforts, and battlefield adaptation in an era of rapid technological evolution.
As I reflect on the conference, several key themes stood out that will shape the future of military helicopters.
Next-Generation Rotorcraft: The Future is Modular and Interoperable
One of the dominant conversations at IMH 2025 was the shift toward next-generation rotorcraft platforms that prioritize modularity, open-system architectures, and enhanced interoperability:
- NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) is on track to replace aging helicopter fleets by 2038, focusing on scalable and adaptable designs to meet evolving mission needs.
- Following the cancellation of the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) initiative is evolving, with a stronger emphasis on Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and AI-driven autonomy.
- Across global defense forces, there is a clear commitment to ensuring that future helicopters can seamlessly operate within joint, multi-domain environments, working alongside allied platforms and advanced battlefield networks.
Interoperability is no longer a secondary concern – it is a fundamental requirement for next-generation military aviation.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and AI: The New Force Multiplier
A major disruptive force in military aviation is the integration of uncrewed systems with traditional rotorcraft, creating a hybrid battlefield environment where human pilots and AI-driven assets operate in tandem:
- MUM-T integration is transforming battlefield tactics, particularly for reconnaissance, logistics, and combat missions. Helicopters are now working alongside air-launched drones and autonomous wingmen to extend operational range and effectiveness.
- AI-driven autonomy is reshaping decision-making, from navigation and targeting to mission execution, reducing pilot workload and enhancing survivability in complex environments.
- The adoption of air-launched effects (ALEs) – miniaturized, expendable drones launched from helicopters – enables real-time intelligence gathering, threat neutralization, and greater situational awareness in contested environments.
With autonomy and AI accelerating, the question is no longer if uncrewed systems will play a role in military rotorcraft operations, but rather how extensively they will be integrated in the coming decade.
Lessons from Ukraine: Redefining Helicopter Warfare
The Ukraine-Russia conflict has exposed both the strengths and vulnerabilities of helicopters in modern warfare. Several sessions at IMH 2025 highlighted critical lessons from the battlefield:
- Attack helicopters are increasingly at risk from MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems), electronic warfare threats, and drone-based countermeasures. These risks necessitate new defensive technologies, improved tactics, and enhanced survivability features.
- Electronic warfare and GPS jamming have complicated uncrewed system operations, forcing the development of more resilient, autonomous guidance systems that can function without constant operator control.
- A thought-provoking discussion emerged around contrasting technological approaches in modern warfare:
- Ukraine has adopted an agile, rapid-development strategy, leveraging open-source software and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology to quickly deploy new capabilities.
- NATO and Western defense forces have traditionally relied on a structured, standards-based approach, prioritizing long-term interoperability, security, and sustainment.
This debate – rapid adaptability vs. structured standardization – remains one of the most fascinating discussions in defense innovation. I’ll explore this topic in greater depth in a future blog.
What’s Next for Military Rotorcraft?
IMH 2025 reaffirmed that military aviation is entering a new era of transformation. Nations are making significant investments in next-generation platforms, integrating uncrewed technologies, and adapting to new battlefield realities.
The future of military helicopters will be defined by four key attributes:
- Speed – The ability to respond rapidly to dynamic threats across vast and unpredictable battlefields.
- Survivability – Enhanced defenses to withstand electronic warfare, drone threats, and advanced air-defense systems.
- Connectivity – Seamless integration into multi-domain networks for real-time data sharing and joint operations.
- Adaptability – Flexible architectures ensuring long-term relevance amid constant technological evolution.
As the battlefield evolves, so too must our approach to military rotorcraft development. Innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight will be key to ensuring that next-generation helicopters are equipped for the challenges ahead. Advanced video, command, and control communication systems will be essential for enhancing situational awareness, interoperability, and real-time decision-making in next-generation air-to-ground solutions.
It was an honor to participate in IMH 2025, and I look forward to continuing this conversation on the future of military aviation.
