AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI have completed an airborne collaborative combat trial involving a Rafale F4 and the NAMIB-equipped unmanned system. Separately, NHIndustries and NATO’s helicopter agency flew the first NH90 in Software Release 3, adding Link 22, upgraded sensors and enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Helicopter
Latest source-backed stories
Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI have completed an airborne collaborative combat trial involving a Rafale F4 and the NAMIB-equipped unmanned system. Separately, NHIndustries and NATO’s helicopter agency flew the first NH90 in Software Release 3, adding Link 22, upgraded sensors and enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
High activity
Two Bell 214ST helicopters leased by Greece’s Fire Service collided mid-air while conducting water-dropping operations over a severe, wind-driven wildfire near Psatha in western Attica, roughly 60 kilometers west of Athens. The crash killed two people, while initial reports said other crew members were rescued.
Two Bell firefighting helicopters collided in midair over Psatha, west of Athens, on Sunday while attacking a major wildfire. Each aircraft carried a two-person crew; two crew members were killed, highlighting the operational risks faced by aerial firefighting teams during Greece’s severe wildfire season.
NATO has released detailed requirements to four pre-qualified bidders for a next-generation military rotorcraft program, moving the initiative into the concept design phase. The bidders have until Aug. 31 next year to respond to the request for proposals, setting the next major milestone for the multinational effort.
Spain’s new Air and Space Force vision emphasizes AI, collaborative combat, missile defense and space dominance, while Spanish A330 MRTT forces participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2026. Separately, A400M aircraft are demonstrating expanded utility as high-capacity wildfire retardant bombers in France and Spain.
Public safety operators are turning to the Leonardo AW139 for demanding, multi-mission tasking—where larger helicopter size translates into operational capability and flexibility. The platform’s heavier “heavy duty” profile supports a broader mission envelope while still meeting the practical constraints of public safety aviation programs.
The Israeli Air Force has restarted Squadron 193, which operates maritime helicopters for the Israeli Navy, following the delivery of new SH-60F Seahawks from Sikorsky. The move points to renewed ASW and maritime air support capacity aligned to navy helicopter operations.
LifeFlight has ordered four additional Leonardo AW139 helicopters to expand rotary-wing capacity. The UK National Police Air Service (NPAS) ordered two more Airbus H135s, bringing its renewal program to nine aircraft. Separately, The Helicopter Company booked eight additional Airbus H145s, and Davenport Aviation announced a Phoenix Police Department H145 order for enhanced operational readiness.
Create a free account to see more recent Helicopter stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
